Everyone at some point feels anxious sometimes. A little anxiety can be a normal response to stress or uncertainty; it protects us and keeps us prepared for challenges.
But when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or starts interfering with everyday living, it may be time to take a closer look.
At Rebound Total Health in Dundas, Ontario, our team of therapists helps patients manage anxiety and find coping strategies that work for them.
In this post, we explore what anxiety is, why we experience it, how to manage it, and when to seek help.
What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Anxiety can affect both our minds and bodies. It can feel like “something is wrong” even when there is no danger. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive or persistent worry
- Feeling restless, tense, or on edge
- Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
- Racing heart or shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, dizziness, muscle tension, stomach discomfort, and difficulty sleeping.
Read more about common misconceptions – what it is and what it isn’t. Find out about signs that you may have anxiety.
Why Do I Feel Anxious?
There isn’t always a clear cause of anxiety. Sometimes it has an obvious trigger. At other times, it can seem to come out of nowhere. It can be influenced by a combination of factors such as:
- Ongoing stress or major life changes
- Sleep and lifestyle factors
- Caffeine and other substances
- Health conditions
- Patterns of worrying or negative thinking
- Biological and genetic factors
Learn more about anxiety triggers.
How Can I Manage Anxiety?
- Notice what’s happening. Try to identify your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without immediately judging them.
- Slow your breathing. Gentle and slow breathing can help you manage some of the physical sensations that come with anxiety
- Challenge anxious thoughts. Ask yourself, “What evidence supports your worry?” Whether you’re assuming the worst, and what you can realistically control
- Notice Avoidance. Avoiding things that make you anxious can help with short-term relief, but can sometimes reinforce anxiety over time.
- Focus on what you CAN control. Instead of trying to solve every possible future problem, focus on one practical step you can take right now.
Regular sleep, movement, nutritious meals, and time to relax can support your overall well-being.
Read more about helpful tips when having an anxiety attack. Discover self-help strategies for anxiety.
When Should I Get Help for Anxiety?
You don’t have to wait until it becomes severe before seeking help. Be proactive!
Consider talking to a healthcare provider or mental health professional if anxiety:
- Is difficult to control
- Becomes more frequent or intense
- Interferes with work, school, relationships, or daily life
- Affects sleep
- Causes you to avoid important activities
- Significant distress
Learn more about anxiety treatments, Brainspotting, and other anxiety management strategies to consider.
Is Therapy Right for Me?
Therapy can help you understand what’s contributing to your anxiety and develop practical ways to manage it. Approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help identify patterns in thoughts and behaviours that may be maintaining anxiety.
Anxiety is common, but you don’t have to simply live with anxiety that affects the quality of your quality of life.
If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, set up a consultation with us at Rebound Total Health. We offer in-person sessions in our Hamilton (Dundas) location, and online therapy sessions in Ontario.
You don’t have to do it alone!
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Related: Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety