Feeling nervous every now and then is a normal part of life. Whether it’s a job interview, a big presentation, or a first date, moments of anxiety happen to everyone. But if you find yourself feeling nervous constantly—without a clear reason—it may be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.
When Everyday Nervousness Becomes a Concern
Occasional anxiety is part of being human. However, persistent nervousness that affects your daily life, sleep, concentration, or relationships may point to an anxiety disorder. This doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you—it just means your mind and body may be stuck in overdrive, reacting to stress even when there’s no immediate danger.
Common Signs of Chronic Nervousness
You may notice symptoms such as racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, tightness in the chest, excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or even avoiding situations that trigger anxiety. Some people also experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, nausea, or dizziness.
Possible Causes
Chronic nervousness can stem from a variety of causes, and often, it’s the result of several factors interacting over time. One common contributor is genetic predisposition—if anxiety runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself due to inherited traits that influence how your brain responds to stress.
Past trauma, such as childhood neglect, abuse, or a significant loss, can also create long-term emotional responses that manifest as persistent nervousness in adulthood.
Chronic stress—from demanding jobs, financial strain, or ongoing personal conflict—can wear down your body’s natural ability to regulate anxiety, leaving you feeling constantly on edge.
Lifestyle habits also play a role. Irregular sleep, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive screen time or social media exposure can heighten feelings of unease and reactivity.
Underlying mental health conditions are often at the core. Disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involve pervasive worry about everyday things, while panic disorder brings on sudden, intense bouts of fear.
Social anxiety disorder makes social situations feel threatening or overwhelming. These conditions can keep your nervous system in a heightened state of alert.
It’s also important not to overlook physical health issues. Imbalances in thyroid hormones, blood sugar fluctuations, and even vitamin deficiencies can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms. Something as routine as high caffeine intake or certain medications can trigger or amplify nervousness.
Understanding the cause—or combination of causes—of chronic nervousness is a crucial step in finding the right treatment. At My Psychiatrist, we’re here to help uncover what’s fueling your anxiety and work with you toward lasting relief.
How Psychiatry Can Help
At My Psychiatrist, we understand how overwhelming constant nervousness can feel. Our psychiatric team takes a whole-person approach, working to understand the root cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include talk therapy, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and medication when appropriate. For some individuals, advanced treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be beneficial.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with constant anxiety. If nervousness is interfering with your quality of life, seeking help is a brave and important first step. Our experienced providers are here to listen, support, and guide you through a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
Nervousness FAQs
Is it normal to feel nervous for no reason?
Some nervousness without an obvious cause can be normal, but if it happens frequently or intensely, it may be related to an anxiety disorder.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a response to an external cause (like a deadline), while anxiety is more persistent and may occur without a specific trigger.
Can anxiety affect my physical health?
Yes, chronic anxiety can lead to physical issues like muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances.
How is anxiety diagnosed?
A mental health professional will assess your symptoms, history, and daily impact to determine if you meet criteria for an anxiety disorder.
What treatments are available for constant nervousness?
Treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications such as SSRIs, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, TMS.
Can lifestyle changes really help with anxiety?
Absolutely. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep habits, and mindfulness practices can significantly reduce symptoms.
Will I need medication forever?
Not necessarily. Medication can be a temporary tool while other coping skills are developed, depending on your individual needs.
How do I get started with treatment?
You can begin by scheduling an appointment with one of our licensed providers at My Psychiatrist. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Anxiety Disorders
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
Cleveland Clinic – Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders
Mayo Clinic – Generalized Anxiety Disorder https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803
Harvard Health Publishing – Understanding the Stress Response
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
