When Anxiety Isn't a Superpower

Recently, a friend shared with me a video of actress Emma Stone saying that she views her anxiety as a "superpower." I genuinely admire her perspective—seeing people talk about mental health in empowering ways is inspiring. For some, anxiety can be a motivator, a force that sharpens focus or even pushes them to accomplish great things. But for others, anxiety isn’t a superpower. It’s a barrier, a constant presence that can feel as limiting as it is consuming.

As someone who struggles with anxiety daily, I wanted to share my perspective on how it feels when anxiety isn’t something you can turn into a hidden strength. Unlike a burst of energy before an important presentation or the nerves that keep you alert in a high-stakes situation, anxiety for me—and many others—is pervasive and persistent. It doesn’t just come and go with challenging moments; it lingers, impacting everything from daily tasks to personal relationships.

When people talk about anxiety as a "superpower," they might picture someone who uses their heightened awareness to sense problems early or stay organised under pressure. But in reality, the experience of debilitating anxiety can be far from that ideal. Imagine, instead, a mind that constantly overthinks every possibility, a body that's always tense, and a sense of dread that often lacks any clear cause. For many, this isn’t the kind of anxiety that offers any advantage; it’s simply exhausting.

There’s an often-overlooked side of anxiety that makes even simple things feel insurmountable. It’s not a temporary feeling of nerves but a constant companion that weighs down the simplest of decisions or the most routine tasks. Anxiety can keep you up at night, make it difficult to focus, or even push you to avoid the very things you want to do. It’s like being held back by invisible threads, tugging you away from your goals and desires, no matter how much you try to break free.

This isn’t to say that people like Emma Stone are wrong to see their anxiety in a positive light—mental health experiences vary widely, and for some, reframing anxiety as a source of strength can be empowering. But for many of us, anxiety isn’t something we can easily channel or embrace. It’s a challenge that can limit our lives, not enhance them.

So, for anyone out there who finds themselves nodding along, I hope this post reminds you that you’re not alone. It’s okay if anxiety doesn’t feel like a superpower. It’s okay if it feels like a constant struggle. Our experiences are valid, even if they don’t fit the narrative of strength and resilience we often hear. The more we share these diverse perspectives, the better we can understand and support each other in all our unique mental health journeys.