Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life.
We all get nervous before a big meeting, feel our stomach turn when waiting for news, or worry about loved ones. But when those feelings start to interfere with daily life - when they’re hard to control, seem out of proportion to what’s happening, or stick around for weeks or months - they may be signs of something deeper.
Anxiety symptoms can show up in ways that make you change your routine, avoid certain people or situations, or feel like you’re stuck in a constant state of tension. For many, these patterns begin in childhood or adolescence and quietly carry over into adulthood - until one day, you realize you’ve been living in survival mode for years.
What Do Anxiety Symptoms Actually Feel Like?
Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people feel it mostly in their body. Others experience it as racing thoughts or a constant sense of dread. You don’t need to feel “panicked” to be dealing with anxiety. Here are some common anxiety symptoms - some you might not even realize are connected:
Physical symptoms:
- Tense muscles, clenched jaw, or feeling physically “on edge”
- Heart pounding or chest tightness for no clear reason
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, even when you’re tired
- Digestive issues or nausea without a clear medical cause
- Feeling lightheaded, shaky, or short of breath
Mental/emotional symptoms:
- Constant worry or overthinking - even about small things
- Feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted
- Trouble concentrating or feeling “foggy”
- A sense that something bad is going to happen, even if you don’t know what
- Avoiding situations that might trigger anxiety, even if they’re part of normal life
If some of these ring true for you, you’re not weak or overreacting. Your system is doing its best to manage something it perceives as unsafe - even if it doesn’t quite make sense on the surface.
“But I’m Still Functioning…”
That’s something I hear a lot. People say, “I’m anxious, but I’m still going to work. I get things done. I’m just tired all the time.” Functioning doesn’t mean thriving. You can keep checking off your to-do list and still feel like your mind and body are constantly bracing for impact. You might be managing - but at what cost? If your anxiety symptoms are draining your energy, limiting your choices, or making life feel smaller than you want it to be, you deserve support.
When Should You See a Therapist for Anxiety?
If you're wondering whether your anxiety is “bad enough” for therapy, here's a helpful reframe: you don't need to hit rock bottom to get help.
It might be time to reach out if:
- Anxiety is interfering with sleep, work, relationships, or daily functioning
- You avoid situations or people because of how they make you feel
- You feel like your thoughts are running the show - and you want to feel more in control
- You’re using coping strategies (like staying busy or zoning out) just to get through the day
- You’re tired of managing on your own and want things to actually feel different
What Therapy Can Do (Besides Talking About Your Worries)
Therapy isn’t just about venting or learning how to “calm down.” It’s about understanding where your anxiety comes from, how it’s been protecting you, and what your mind and body need to feel safer. In my work with clients, I draw on approaches like:
Somatic therapy & Brainspotting to work with anxiety stored in the body, not just the mind
IFS (Internal Family Systems) to gently explore the anxious parts of you - without judgment
Attachment-focused therapy (AEDP) to explore how early relationships may have shaped how safe you feel in the world today
Practical tools to manage symptoms in real-time, while doing the deeper work underneath You don’t have to “get rid” of your anxiety to live a full, connected life. But you can learn how to relate to it differently - so it’s not running the show anymore. You can more about anxiety counselling here
Final Thoughts
Anxiety symptoms are your nervous system’s way of telling you it’s working overtime. You’re not weak, broken, or overreacting. You’re responding to something - maybe from the past, maybe from right now—that needs care and attention. If you’re tired of living in your head, second-guessing yourself, or feeling on edge all the time, therapy can help you come back to yourself - calmer, clearer, and more connected.
Interested in learning more? I offer trauma-informed counselling for adults struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, I’d be honoured to walk with you. Book a free 20 min consultation here and let’s get to know each other.
