[Matt75]

I'm trying to understand this emotion/state of mind better. I feel nerves/anxiety very frequently and have for many years.

There are many unresolved situations/conflicts/problems in my life that can have serious consequences if they turn out unfavorably. Is a continuous sense of danger/flight urge/anxiety about these 'real' issues considered 'normal'? I'm struggling with whether anxiety related to life situations/conditions is illness-related or not.

What is your experience with this? I observe that everyone has problems in their life and possibly magnifies those in their head. But my anxiety is nearly constant and feels like it has been continuous for literally years on end. Finances, being accountable/'caught' for mistakes, my social status at work (what do others think of me), failing to be a 'good' son/husband/dad/friend: these are all things I am 'anxious' about at varying levels of intensity for at least 10 years.

I've been 'blind' to what emotions mean/feel like until just this summer when I started reading "The Feeling Good Handbook" and for instance can chalk up what I called 'being nervous' to anxiety ranging from persistent worry to full blown anxiety attacks (flop sweat, beating heart, flight urge).

Thanks everyone, this forum is very helpful in my own self-discovery and education.