The Many Forms of Anxiety and What to Do About It

Anxiety Can Be Overwhelming—But You're Not Alone

Anxiety shows up in different ways for different people—and I say that not just as a therapist, but as someone who has felt it firsthand.

I’ve experienced that sudden urge to leave a public places when self-doubt hits. I’ve stood in front of an audience with my heart racing and my hands clammy, and mind going blank even when I knew I was prepared. Anxiety doesn’t always scream; sometimes it whispers. It can show up as a constant hum in the background, a spike before a conversation, or a pull toward avoidance.

However it shows up for you, anxiety is real. And it deserves compassionate attention—not dismissal or shame.

What I’ve also learned—personally and professionally—is this: facing anxiety takes courage. Whether you're getting out of bed on a hard day, showing up for a conversation you'd rather avoid, or reaching out for help, those are acts of strength.

When Everyday Anxiety Becomes Too Much

It's normal to feel anxious from time to time. But when worry becomes a daily struggle—when it interferes with your relationships, your sleep, or your ability to function—it may be time to take a closer look.

Here are just a few ways anxiety can show up (some of which I’ve navigated myself):

✅ Constant overthinking or racing thoughts
✅ Difficulty sleeping or relaxing, even when you're tired
✅ Physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or a racing heart
✅ Avoiding situations that feel overwhelming or unpredictable
✅ Feeling easily irritated or emotionally on edge
✅ Struggling with self-doubt or second-guessing everything
✅ A sense that something bad is going to happen, even if you can't explain why
✅ Trouble focusing or feeling "foggy" during the day

If you see yourself in any of these, you're not alone—and there is nothing “weak” about what you’re feeling.

When Anxiety Has Deeper Roots

Sometimes anxiety is less about what's happening now and more about what happened then. Unresolved trauma—especially from childhood—can live on in our nervous systems. Early attachment wounds, emotional neglect, or experiences of unpredictability and fear can quietly shape how safe we feel in the world today.

You may not have clear memories of trauma. You might even tell yourself “nothing that bad happened.” And yet, your body tells a different story: bracing, scanning for danger, over-functioning, or shutting down to cope.

Therapy can help make sense of these patterns and offer a safe space to begin unwinding them—with care, respect, and without judgment.

A Simple Grounding Practice You Can Try Today

If anxiety has you feeling stuck in your head or disconnected from the present moment, this sensory-based practice can help:

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique Take a slow breath, and name:

• 5 things you can see

• 4 things you can feel

• 3 things you can hear

• 2 things you can smell

• 1 thing you can taste

This simple practice brings your awareness back to the here and now—helping your nervous system settle, even for a moment.

The Good News: Anxiety Is Treatable

There are so many ways to work with anxiety—therapy being one of the most effective. As a trauma-informed therapist, I tailor anxiety treatment to fit your unique needs and nervous system. Together, we explore what’s fueling the anxiety, build coping tools, and gently shift unhelpful patterns. For some clients, adding medication can be helpful too—and I’m always happy to coordinate care with medical providers when needed.

A Space to Breathe, Heal, and Regain Your Sense of Self

Whether your anxiety feels like a constant hum or a sudden storm, you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy offers a safe space to slow down, listen to what your body and mind are trying to tell you, and move toward greater calm, clarity, and connection.

You are not broken—your system is trying to protect you. And with support, you can learn to feel safe again.