What is Anxiety
- yvonne dryburgh
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Anxiety is something many people experience, and yet it can still feel confusing, isolating, or even frightening. At its core, anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger. It’s your body’s way of trying to keep you safe — like an internal alarm system that says, “Something’s not right.”
Sometimes that alarm becomes too sensitive. It starts to go off even when there’s no real danger — before a meeting, in social situations, or for reasons we can’t quite name. That’s when anxiety can begin to affect your daily life.
You might notice:
Racing thoughts or constant worry
Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
Physical symptoms like a tight chest, nausea, or restlessness
Avoiding certain situations or feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
A sense of being “on edge” or not quite yourself
You’re not overreacting, you’re not weak, you're not going crazy and it's not all in your head; even though Anxiety sometimes makes us feel like it is. Anxiety is often a sign that your nervous system is under pressure — not that there’s something wrong with you. Sometimes it’s connected to past experiences or stress your body hasn’t had time to process. Other times, it builds slowly, from burnout, uncertainty, or feeling like you always have to be “on.”
Counselling can help you understand your anxiety, not just manage it.Together, we can explore what your anxiety is trying to protect you from, and gently learn how to calm your system rather than fight it. We’ll use a mix of psychoeducation, grounding techniques, and compassionate conversation to help you feel safer in your own body and mind.
You don’t have to live in a constant state of tension. With the right support, anxiety can soften — and in its place, you may find clarity, calm, and a stronger connection to yourself.
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