Understanding anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health issue, affecting nearly 30% of adults. While it’s normal to feel anxious or nervous in response to stress, anxiety becomes problematic when it becomes overwhelming, excessive, or starts interfering with daily life.

When anxiety takes over, it can lead to avoidance of certain situations, making it difficult to function at work, in school, or within relationships. Left untreated, anxiety can affect your overall well-being and sense of stability.

Common signs of anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in both physical and emotional ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Physical Restlessness: Muscle tension, fidgeting, or twitching

• Mental Restlessness: Inability to calm your mind, constant worry, difficulty focusing or finding a “flow”

• Nervousness or feelings of dread about future events

• Rapid heart rate or breathing, sometimes leading to hyperventilation

• Excessive sweating

• Obsessive or intrusive thoughts

• Irritability

• Trouble sleeping or falling asleep

• A strong urge to avoid daily activities or social interactions

These symptoms can feel overwhelming, but there is hope for managing anxiety.

Getting help for anxiety

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. Different types of therapy focus on altering negative thought patterns, identifying triggers, and building new coping strategies to help manage anxiety in a healthier way.

In addition to therapy, simple techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, and somatic practices can greatly reduce anxiety when practiced regularly. With the right tools and support, you can regain control and find relief from the stress that anxiety brings.