Anxiety is the body’s reaction to something that seems scary or threatening. Experiencing anxiety every now and then is normal, but if it’s too frequent or severe, anxiety can interfere with quality of life.

Our What is Anxiety? worksheet presents a brief and accessible overview of anxiety. Featured topics include symptoms, types of anxiety, the cycle of avoidance, and ways to manage anxiety.

This one-page resource offers an introduction to anxiety, making it ideal for the start of treatment. Use with clients who struggle with any form of anxiety, from generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and phobias to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and everyday worries. The info sheet’s focus on thoughts and behaviors makes it an ideal accompaniment to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

To encourage further reflection, consider asking clients the following questions:

• What do you worry about?
• In what ways does your anxiety affect you?
• How do you cope with your anxiety?
• What is the cost of avoiding your anxiety triggers?

If working with groups, you may want to pair this handout with our Exploring Anxiety: Discussion questions.