Is It My Gut or Is It My Anxiety?

Have you ever faced a decision and felt an overwhelming sense of unease? Maybe you were unsure if that feeling was your gut warning you or your anxiety acting up. Understanding the difference between gut and anxiety can be tricky but it’s an important skill to develop. In today's blog, we will explore what each one is, how they feel different, and how you can tell them apart.

What Is a Gut Feeling?

A gut feeling is that immediate sense you get about something without having a clear reason. It’s like an inner voice or instinct that guides you. Some people call it intuition. Your gut feeling is your subconscious processing information and sending you a signal.

For example, you might meet someone new and instantly feel comfortable with them, or you might get a bad vibe from a situation without knowing why. These instincts can help protect you and guide you toward good decisions.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about something that might happen. It’s often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, or an upset stomach. Anxiety symptoms can be a normal stress reaction, but it becomes problematic when it’s excessive and interferes with your life.

Anxiety often involves overthinking and worrying about future events. It can make you second-guess yourself and feel overwhelmed by doubts and fears.

How to Tell the Difference

Knowing whether you're experiencing a gut feeling or anxiety can be challenging, but there are some key differences to look out for:

1. Clarity vs. Confusion:

   • Gut Feeling: A gut feeling is usually clear and specific. It’s a straightforward sense of "yes" or "no" without much doubt.

   • Anxiety: Anxiety often comes with a lot of confusion and second-guessing. It can make you feel like you're spinning in circles with no clear answer.

2. Calm vs. Panic:

   • Gut Feeling: Even if your gut feeling is warning you about something, it usually comes with a sense of calm and certainty. It’s like an inner knowing.

   • Anxiety: Anxiety feels frantic and urgent. It can cause a sense of panic or dread that overwhelms you.

3. Present vs. Future Focus:

   • Gut Feeling: Gut feelings are often focused on the present moment. They are about what is happening right now.

   • Anxiety: Anxiety is usually future-oriented, worrying about what might happen later. It involves imagining worst-case scenarios.

4. Specific vs. General:

   • Gut Feeling: Your gut feeling is typically about a specific situation or person. It’s targeted and relevant to the moment.

   • Anxiety: Anxiety can be more general and pervasive. It might affect many areas of your life and isn’t always tied to one specific event.

5. Physical Sensations:

• Gut Feeling: You might feel a gut feeling as a sensation in your stomach, like a "gut instinct." However, it’s not usually accompanied by other intense physical symptoms.

• Anxiety: Anxiety often comes with stronger physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweating, shaking, or nausea.

Steps to Differentiate Gut Feelings from Anxiety

If you’re not sure if you're experiencing a gut feeling or anxiety, try taking the following steps:

1. Pause and Breathe:

   • Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body. This can help you get some distance from your immediate reaction and think more clearly.

2. Check for Patterns:

   • Reflect on past experiences. Has this feeling been right before? Do you usually get anxious in similar situations? Identifying patterns can help you understand if it’s a gut feeling or anxiety.

3. Focus on the Present Moment:

   • Try to ground yourself in the present. Pay attention to what’s happening right now, rather than worrying about the future. This can help you discern if your feelings are about the present moment (gut) or future worries (anxiety).

4. Seek Clarity:

   • Ask yourself specific questions about the feeling. What exactly is this feeling telling me? Is it about a specific person or situation, or is it a general sense of worry?

5. Notice Physical Sensations:

   • Pay attention to how your body feels. Is it a certain feeling in your stomach (gut), or is it accompanied by intense physical symptoms like sweating or a racing heart (anxiety)?

6. Write It Down:

   • Sometimes writing your thoughts and feelings can help you see things more clearly. Describe how you’re feeling and why you think you might be feeling it. This process can help you sort through your emotions.

7. Talk It Out:

   • Discuss your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Sometimes talking about it can give you a new perspective and help you figure out if it’s a gut feeling or anxiety.

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in distinguishing between gut feelings and anxiety. It involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and learn to observe them without getting caught up in them.

Here are some mindfulness exercises to try:

• Breathing Techniques: Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you feel calmer.

• Body Scan: Close your eyes and mentally scan your body from head to toe. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort and try to relax them. For a more comprehensive body scan, click here.

• Mindful Observation: Choose an object in your environment that is pleasant or neutral to focus on. Spend a few minutes observing it closely. Notice its colors, shapes, and textures. This can help you stay grounded in the present moment.

Compassionate Self-Talk

Practicing self-compassion can also help you navigate your emotions. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. If you’re feeling anxious, remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way and that you’re doing your best.

Ask yourself how you would support a friend who was feeling the same thing. What would you say to them? How would you comfort them? Then, try to offer yourself that same support.

Start Treatment for Your Anxiety Symptoms Today in Detroit or Anywhere in Michigan

Distinguishing between a gut feeling and anxiety can be challenging, but with practice, you can learn to tell them apart. Treat yourself with compassion and patience as you navigate your feelings. Remember that it's okay to seek help if you need it. If you want to practice with a licensed mental health therapist, Embodied Wellness, PLLC is here to support you! We have anxiety therapists who can help you through the process, learn mindfulness techniques, and decrease anxiety!

In order to start anxiety treatment at Embodied Wellness, PLLC follow these steps:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation for anxiety treatment today.

2. Make your first appointment with an anxiety therapist in Michigan

3. Start addressing and overcoming your anxiety symptoms

Other Online Therapy Services We Offer in Detroit & Throughout Michigan

At Embodied Wellness, PLLC we offer a variety of services for both adults and teenagers through online therapy in Michigan. Some of the specialities we offer include empath counseling and OCD treatment. As well as depression treatment, trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment. Some of the other techniques we use include EMDR therapy and Internal Family Systems. If you are ready to start getting mental health support reach out to us today! También ofrecemos terapia en español en Michigan.

About the Author:

Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder and one of the therapists at Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. Embodied Wellness specializes in trauma, depression, and anxiety treatment for adolescents and anxiety. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as a way to treat trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR, IFS, and attachment therapy.