Anxiety

Anxiety is something that many people will experience at different points in their lives. It can be a helpful response alerting us to danger, motivating preparation, and supporting performance when we’re under pressure.

For some people, anxiety can become persistent, overwhelming, or difficult to settle. When this happens, it can start to interfere with daily life, relationships, rest or enjoyment, and may develop into an anxiety disorder such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety or panic disorder. There are many reasons this can occur, and support it available.

Explanation of Anxiety

Anxiety is part of the body’s natural threat response. When it is working as intended, it helps us notice risk, prepare for challenges, and stay safe.

Difficulties tend to arise when this system becomes overactive or remains switched on for long periods of time. Anxiety may then be triggered in situations that are not actually dangerous, or feel difficult to control even once the situation has passed.

Anxiety disorders can take different forms, including generalised anxiety disorder (ongoing worry and tension), social anxiety (fear of judgement or scrutiny), panic disorder (recurrent panic attacks), and specific phobias. While these experiences differ, they often share common underlying patterns related to threat, avoidance, and attempts to cope.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can show up in different ways, and not everyone experiences the same combination of symptoms. Common signs may include:

ongoing worry or difficulty switching off
physical tension, restlessness, or fatigue
a sense of needing to stay in control or prepared
avoidance of certain situations or activities
panic attacks or sudden surges of anxiety for some people

Anxiety can be loud and intense, or quieter and more persistent. Both experiences can have a significant impact over time.

(For a more detailed explanation of how anxiety can show up in the body, mind, and behaviour, you may wish to read our blog on anxiety.)

Support We Offer

If anxiety is ongoing, causing distress, or beginning to interfere with daily life, relationships, rest, or enjoyment, it may be helpful to seek support.

It’s important that this happens at your own pace, in a way that feels respectful and collaborative, where you have choice, autonomy, and a sense of trust in the process.

Support for anxiety can help and may include:

developing a shared understanding of how anxiety operates for you
learning ways to support emotional and nervous system regulation
reducing patterns of avoidance, control, or self-criticism
building confidence in responding to anxiety differently over time
working alongside medical professionals where appropriate

The aim of therapy is not to eliminate anxiety entirely, but to reduce its impact and help you relate to it in a way that supports your wellbeing, goals, and values.