Understanding Anxiety: You’re Not Just “Worrying Too Much”
We’ve all felt anxious before—before a big test, during a job interview, or while waiting for important news. A little anxiety is normal. In fact, it’s our body’s way of keeping us alert and safe.
But when that feeling sticks around too long, shows up too often, or starts running the show, it can be exhausting. And that’s when anxiety becomes more than just nerves—it becomes something worth paying attention to.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress or perceived danger. Think of it like your internal alarm system. When it works properly, it helps you stay alert, focused, and motivated. But when that alarm keeps ringing—even when there’s no real danger—it can get in the way of your daily life.
People with anxiety often feel like their minds are stuck in overdrive, constantly bracing for something to go wrong—even when everything looks fine from the outside.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can show up in different ways for different people. Here are some of the most common signs:
Overthinking or racing thoughts
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Feeling restless or on edge
Muscle tension, headaches, or stomachaches
Avoiding certain places, people, or situations
Trouble concentrating
Irritability or a short fuse
Feeling like something bad is about to happen
Some people also experience panic attacks, which can feel like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. These can be scary, but they’re not dangerous—and you’re not alone if they happen.
Why Anxiety Happens
There’s no one reason anxiety shows up. Sometimes it’s tied to stress, life transitions, or past trauma. Other times, it just is. Anxiety can also run in families or be linked to your brain’s chemistry.
The important thing to remember is: Anxiety is not your fault. You didn’t cause it, and you don’t have to “just deal with it.” There are ways to feel better.
How to Manage Anxiety
You don’t have to get rid of anxiety completely to feel relief—you just need tools to help manage it. Here are some strategies that really work:
1. Name It
Sometimes just saying, “This is anxiety” takes away some of its power. It helps you step back and separate yourself from the fear spiral.
2. Breathe On Purpose
When you’re anxious, your breath often gets shallow. Slowing it down—4 counts in, 6 counts out—can calm your nervous system fast.
3. Move Your Body
Exercise (even a short walk) can lower anxiety levels and help clear mental fog. You don’t have to run a marathon—just move.
4. Limit the Overload
Too much news, caffeine, social media, or screen time can crank up anxiety. Set healthy boundaries when you notice your stress increasing.
5. Talk to Someone
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety. A good therapist can help you make sense of your thoughts and give you practical tools to calm your body and mind.
When to Get Help for Anxiety
If anxiety is getting in the way of your sleep, relationships, work, or overall well-being, it might be time to talk to a professional. You don’t have to wait until you’re at your breaking point—getting support early makes a big difference.
And no, you're not “overreacting.” You're allowed to ask for help before things feel unmanageable.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially when it starts to interfere with your everyday life. But you don’t have to manage it alone.
The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety completely—it’s to better understand it, respond to it differently, and regain a sense of control. With the right support and tools, that’s possible.
If you're ready to take the next step, I’m here to help.