Anxiety
Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. We may experience anxiety before an important meeting, during a major life change, or when facing uncertainty. In many situations, anxiety can even be helpful because it prepares us to respond to challenges.
However, when anxiety becomes frequent, overwhelming, or difficult to control, it can begin to interfere with everyday life. Understanding the signs of anxiety and knowing when to seek professional help can be an important first step toward feeling better.
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to perceived stress or danger. It can affect both our thoughts and our physical body.
A certain amount of anxiety is normal. For example, feeling nervous before an interview or worried about an upcoming deadline does not necessarily mean that someone has an anxiety disorder.
The concern arises when anxiety becomes persistent, disproportionate to the situation, or begins affecting a person’s relationships, work, school, sleep, or ability to enjoy everyday activities.
Anxiety can look different from person to person. Some people primarily experience anxious thoughts, while others notice physical symptoms or changes in their behaviour.
One of the most common signs of anxiety is persistent worry that feels difficult to control.
You may find yourself repeatedly thinking about things that could go wrong, even when there is little evidence that something bad will happen. You might also spend significant amounts of time thinking about future situations or replaying past events.
Examples include:
Anxiety can create a sense that something is wrong even when you cannot identify exactly what it is.
You might feel restless, tense, irritable, or constantly “on edge.” Sitting still or relaxing may become difficult because your mind and body feel as though they need to remain alert.
Anxiety isn’t only an emotional experience. It can also cause noticeable physical symptoms.
Common symptoms can include:
Because these symptoms can sometimes resemble other health conditions, it is important not to automatically assume that a physical symptom is caused by anxiety. If you are concerned about new or severe physical symptoms, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
When your mind is occupied by worry, concentrating on other things can become challenging.
You may find yourself reading the same paragraph several times, losing track of conversations, forgetting tasks, or having difficulty focusing at work or school.
Avoidance is another common sign that anxiety may be affecting your life.
For example, someone may avoid social gatherings because they are worried about being judged. Another person may avoid driving, travelling, making phone calls, speaking in public, or attending certain places because these situations trigger anxiety.
While avoiding something may provide temporary relief, it can sometimes reinforce anxiety over time.
An anxious mind can make it difficult to relax at the end of the day.
You may find yourself lying awake thinking about everything that happened during the day or worrying about what might happen tomorrow. Anxiety can contribute to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested after sleeping.
Experiencing anxiety does not automatically mean that you have an anxiety disorder.
A useful question to consider is:
“Is anxiety interfering with my ability to live the life I want?”
Professional support may be worth considering when anxiety:
You do not need to wait until anxiety becomes severe before seeking support. Therapy can also be helpful when you simply feel that your current ways of coping are no longer working.
Psychotherapy can provide a supportive environment where you can explore the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences contributing to anxiety.
Depending on your individual needs, therapy may help you:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for example, is one approach commonly used to help people understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
A therapist can work with you to determine what approach is appropriate for your specific situation and goals.
Anxiety can sometimes make reaching out for help feel difficult. You might wonder whether your concerns are “serious enough” or worry about what other people will think.
You don’t have to wait until you reach a breaking point to talk to someone.
If anxiety is affecting your daily life or preventing you from doing the things that matter to you, speaking with a qualified mental health professional may be a helpful next step.
Therapy isn’t about judging you or telling you how you should feel. It can provide a safe and supportive space to better understand what you’re experiencing and develop strategies that work for you.
Yes. Anxiety is a normal human emotion and can occur in response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It becomes more concerning when it is persistent, excessive, difficult to control, or significantly interferes with everyday life.
Consider speaking with a therapist if anxiety is affecting your daily responsibilities, relationships, sleep, work, school, or ability to participate in activities you enjoy. You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to seek therapy.
Yes. Psychotherapy can help people better understand anxiety and develop strategies for managing anxious thoughts, emotions, physical symptoms, and behaviours. The most appropriate treatment approach depends on the individual’s circumstances and needs.
Some short-term anxiety may decrease when a stressful situation passes. However, persistent anxiety may continue without appropriate support. If anxiety is interfering with your life, speaking with a mental health professional can help you explore your options.
Your first session will generally involve discussing what you’ve been experiencing, what brought you to therapy, and what you hope to work on. Your therapist can then work with you to develop a treatment approach based on your individual needs and goals.
Living with constant worry or anxiety can be exhausting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If anxiety has started affecting your everyday life, relationships, sleep, or sense of well-being, reaching out to a qualified therapist can be a meaningful first step.
If you’re ready to explore whether therapy may be right for you, contact us to learn more about our counselling and psychotherapy services.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our team in Newmarket & Aurora.
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