An anxious world - is anxiety the norm?

Anxiety is a term often heard casually thrown into everyday conversation - “I’m so anxious!”- as though it’s a fleeting feeling. But there’s a big difference between occasional stress or worry and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

. It’s more than overthinking and worrying; it’s all-consuming. And people can’t just “snap out of it,” “just breathe,” or “calm down” - because if it were that easy, they would.

Stress vs. Anxiety

Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, a survival mechanism that evolved when humans faced life-threatening situations, such as the need to outrun a predator. But today, the predators aren’t tigers or lions; they’re the thoughts inside our heads: work deadlines, financial concerns, housing struggles, relationship problems, social expectations, and more.

When stress becomes chronic and unresolved, it can turn into anxiety—a pervasive state of worry and fear that tints everything with a sense of impending danger. With anxiety, the mind won’t switch off, and everything becomes a worst-case scenario.

Sleepless nights are a regular occurrence for those with GAD, and the incessant bombardment of information from technology and social media doesn’t help either.

Anxiety in Ireland

In Irish culture, stress is often seen as normal or expected. Sometimes, it’s even worn as a badge of honour, a sign of resilience, and therefore, being unable to manage stress implies weakness, thus eliciting the thought: “Why can’t I cope as well as everybody else?”

Yet, according to a study by Aware, 4 in 5 people in Ireland will experience anxiety at some point in their lives, with 1 in 5 stating it becomes so overwhelming that they struggle to function. So when stress becomes chronic, and anxiety begins to feel like an endless hamster wheel - as if there’s always more to do and worry about, with no apparent end in sight - it’s not something to be ired or ignored. It’s a sign to seek .

Anxiety and Physical Health

Anxiety isn’t “all in your head.” There’s a direct link between mental health and physical health. Anxiety keeps the body stuck in constant fight-or-flight mode, preventing it from focusing on vital functions such as digestion, repair, and growth. Over time, this can lead to a range of physical health issues, such as digestive problems, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, headaches, and more.

For many, anxiety also exacerbates or causes long-term chronic health conditions, demonstrating just how intertwined mental and physical health are.

Breaking the Stigma

Despite how common anxiety is, many still struggle to talk about it. The stigma attached to mental health often makes people feel weak or flawed for seeking help. But anxiety isn’t a character flaw; it’s a common, treatable condition. You wouldn’t ignore a broken leg, so why should you feel ashamed for seeking help for your mental health?

We need to normalise these conversations because, as statistics show, more people struggle with their mental health than don’t. So instead of brushing off mental health struggles with “It is what it is” or “Sure, what can you do?” we need to start talking more openly about our struggles and encourage others to speak up and seek the they need too.

Seeking Help

If you’re struggling with anxiety, there is help and hope. You can talk to a therapist, visit your GP, explore medication if recommended, or even try alternative approaches such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and acupuncture.

Spending more time outdoors, making life changes, staying active, and developing healthy habits and routines can all help alleviate symptoms.

Even in the midst of anxiety, moments of respite may appear, so focus on creating more of those. And although there’s rarely an overnight quick fix, if you take the necessary steps, an anxiety-free life is possible.

Be Kind to Yourself

One of the hardest aspects of dealing with anxiety is the tendency to criticise yourself for struggling. Everyone struggles sometimes - there’s nothing wrong or broken in you, and it’s okay to seek . So treat yourself with the same kindness and comion you would offer a loved one.

Start now by asking yourself: What is one small thing I can do for my mental well-being today? Whether it’s going for a walk, reaching out to a friend, journaling, or simply acknowledging your feelings - every little step counts.

ing a Loved One

If someone you care about is struggling with anxiety, the most helpful thing you can do is just be there—listen without judgment, offer comfort, encourage them to seek professional help and don’t forget to take care of yourself, too!

Change is Possible

As with many mental health issues, anxiety is often invisible, but that doesn’t make it any less real. While others may not see it, anxiety can feel all-consuming, so it’s important to that although it’s part of you, it doesn’t define you - there was life before anxiety, and there will be life after.

By breaking the stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health, we create a ive environment where people don’t feel isolated and can seek the help they need and deserve.

Mirin Mooney is a neurodivergent mental health coach, for more info, visit www.wildheart-wellness.com 

If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health, please reach out for the you/they need:

Aware: www.aware.ie | Helpline: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: www.samaritans.org | Helpline: 116 123

Pieta: www.pieta.ie | Helpline: 1800 247 247

Jigsaw: www.jigsaw.ie

Cork Simon Community: www.corksimon.ie