Why am I scared of everything?
Feeling scared of everything? You're not alone. Anxiety is common, but it can be debilitating. Learn about the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders, and how to get help from a psychiatrist.
Key takeaways
When temperatures dip and the days start getting shorter, some people flock to the movies (or their couches) for some scary seasonal fun. If you’re usually thinking something like, “no thanks, real life is scary enough,” this guide’s for you.
There’s nothing wrong with not enjoying the adrenaline spike that comes along with a good scare, whether it’s onscreen or IRL. But if your everyday life gets your heart racing faster than any horror film, that might be a sign that your mental health needs some attention.
Is it normal to be scared everyday?
Everyone gets scared sometimes—fear is your brain’s security system keeping you alert to the possibility of danger. Those mental and physical symptoms you feel when you sense danger are known as your fight-or-flight response and it’s your body’s way of protecting you from potentially life-threating situations. Sometimes though, that security system can go a little haywire, and you may feel those mental and physical symptoms of fear (AKA anxiety) in response to everyday stressors like an upcoming exam, or even when stressors aren’t there (ever had anxiety ruin a perfectly good beach day?).
So how can you tell if your brain is a little too good at keeping you safe? Well, you’re the best judge of your own situation. Ask yourself if feelings of fear are stopping you from doing things you want to do, like taking on new challenges, or are disrupting your daily routine. You can also check in with your body throughout the day. If you often notice physical symptoms of fear, (or panic attacks or anxiety attacks), such as an increased heart rate, sweating, or an upset stomach, that could be a sign that fear is becoming a problem for you.
Want to learn more about panic attacks and anxiety attacks? Check out: Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: Understanding the Differences
Why might I be feeling afraid all the time?
Intense or frequent fear that disrupts your daily life can be a sign of a few different mental health conditions such as:
- Phobias (like agoraphobia)
- Social anxiety
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depending on your other symptoms, you might be dealing with one of these types of anxiety, or something else entirely. Talking to a psychiatrist is the best way to know for sure what’s causing your symptoms. Fear can feel suffocating and all-consuming but it is possible to heal and live without fear holding you back.
Want to learn more about anxiety symptoms and treatment options? Read how Talkiatry treats anxiety.
How do I stop being scared of everything?
If what you’ve read so far sounds like you, you’re not alone—anxiety rates among young adults in the U.S. were going up even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which only made matters worse. So what can people with anxiety do to ease their fears? Here’s what experts consider most effective:
- Regular exercise: Moving your body can help relieve some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Don’t worry about starting up an intense regimen if that’s not your jam: Even a short walk can make a big difference for your state of mind.
- Relaxation techniques: While physical activity can help prevent bouts of anxiety from happening, relaxation techniques help find you calm in the moment and prevent your anxiety from spiraling out of control. Ready to check out some relaxation techniques? Try these deep breathing or grounding exercises.
- Write it out: When mobilizing your senses isn’t enough to stop your mind from racing, try writing down your worries instead. Putting it all on paper can have a cathartic effect, even if you never read it.
What if that’s not enough?
For some people, even the best coping mechanism or creative outlet won’t be enough to ease up those feelings of fear or anxiety—and that's okay. Sometimes professional help is necessary and there’s no shame in asking for support. If you are experiencing an anxiety disorder or another mental health condition, treatment works and typically includes therapy (like cbt or cognitive behavioral therapy), medications, or both.
Seeing a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or therapist, is a good place to start if your mental health is making it hard to go about your day.
When fear is doing its job, it helps keep you safe by letting you know when something’s a little too far outside your comfort zone. But when it escalates into anxiety, fear becomes more like a cage, keeping you trapped.
Only you can know if your fear isn’t helping you anymore, but you don’t have to figure that out on your own. Talk to one of our psychiatrists to get help taking control of your anxiety.
About Talkiatry
Talkiatry is a national psychiatry practice that provides in-network, virtual care. Co-founded by a patient and a triple-board-certified psychiatrist, Talkiatry has over 300 doctors, 60 insurance partners, and first visits available in days. We treat patients with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and more. Get started with a short online assessment.
The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
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