Understanding Anxiety: What Is Anxiety and How To Help?

Anxiety is something almost everyone knows firsthand. It can be a flutter before a big presentation, the racing thoughts the night before a flight. It's not a flaw. It's your brain trying to keep you safe.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, helping us stay alert and manage challenges. Feeling anxious before a test or job interview is normal and typically goes away once the stressor is gone. However, for some people, anxiety becomes persistent and overwhelming, even without an immediate threat. This can indicate an anxiety disorder, which affects nearly 20% of U.S. adults.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders Include:

  • Excessive worry or fear

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability and restlessness

  • Avoidance of situations or places

  • Physical symptoms: racing heart, sweating, trembling, dizziness, GI upset, headaches

In severe cases, anxiety may trigger panic attacks, with intense fear and physical symptoms like chest pain or a pounding heart.

If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common things I work with in my practice, especially among women navigating big transitions, expats building a life somewhere new, and people who simply feel everything a little more deeply than most.

Managing Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are treatable with the right support. As an anxiety therapist, I help clients understand what's actually driving their anxiety, not just manage the symptoms on the surface. I take a holistic approach, focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection, and encourage clients to assess lifestyle factors like sleep habits, physical activity, and stress management. Therapy isn't about eliminating anxiety completely because some anxiety is normal and even useful. It's about learning to recognize when it's helping you and when it's running the show.

While I don't prescribe medications, I can refer clients to a psychiatrist when needed. With the right treatment and support, managing anxiety is possible, and you don't have to figure it out on your own.