Navigating Anxiety

Anxiety shows up differently for everyone – maybe it's the pit in your stomach before client presentations, the 3 AM mental rehearsals of conversations that haven't happened yet, or the constant background hum of "what if" that follows you throughout your day. Passing feelings like this are part of everyday life, but feelings that persist for weeks or months are a pattern worth looking into. While finding help can feel overwhelming, there are concrete next steps that actually work.

The reality check

Here’s the thing: Anxiety is natural. It’s a protective emotional and physical response meant to warn you about perceived danger or harm.

Occasional anxiety related to a stressful life event is completely normal. But if you experience frequent, intense episodes of anxiety that interfere with your day-to-day functioning, it may be a sign of an anxiety problem. You’re not alone: One in five adults deals with an anxiety disorder every year. That includes high achievers, parents managing multiple responsibilities, and yes – even those people who seem to have everything figured out. Some people experience anxiety that may not meet the clinical threshold, but it still disrupts their daily lives. 

What anxiety really feels like

Let's be clear about what we're dealing with:

• Your mind and body are on high alert. You’re easily startled and irritated, and you might have tightness in your chest, a pounding heart, or extra tense muscles. 

• You can’t control your worry, and your thoughts constantly snowball into worst-case scenarios, making it impossible to focus on anything else.

• You spend your nights staring at the ceiling, either fighting for sleep or waking up with your mind already racing.

• You end up avoiding situations that give you anxiety, even things that are important to you, and then feel upset and frustrated about having to do so. 

• You have chronic physical symptoms like stomach aches, nausea, or headaches without a medical cause.

Solutions that work

Anxiety is a common and treatable mental health challenge. That's not wishful thinking – it's science. Here's what makes a difference:

1. Therapy that gets results. Psychotherapy, or ‘talk therapy,’ is a standard form of treatment. Think of it as training for your brain. This isn’t about endless conversation: These are clinically-proven treatments that work. While many types of therapy can address anxiety, two of the most popular modalities are CBT and ACT. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can give you practical tools to take back control, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help you accept your thoughts and manage them mindfully.

2. Medication when needed. Sometimes our brains need backup. Modern medications can be effective, whether you need them briefly or long-term, and are often most effective when used in conjunction with talk therapy. A good healthcare provider will help you evaluate your options.

3. Life changes that matter. Exercise, mindfulness, and solid sleep aren't just wellness trends – they're proven tools backed by research. Consider making small adjustments, like switching up your daily routine, reducing caffeine intake, and minimizing screen time, for significant impact.

4. Strategic support. Working with a therapist, finding a support group, or opening up to people who get it – having backup makes a difference. You don’t need to figure this out alone.

Taking action

If anxiety is disrupting your life, professional help can get you back on track and feeling good. The path forward varies for everyone, but with the right support, you can develop tools to manage anxiety and build a treatment plan that works for you. 

Ready for change? Find anxiety support now.