When to Get Help for Your Anxiety

Many of us know the feeling. The knot in your stomach before a big presentation. The racing heart before an important job interview. The sense of unease when you’re waiting for news. This is anxiety, a natural and essential human emotion. It’s our body’s built-in alarm system, a temporary reaction to a perceived threat that keeps us alert and focused. For many of us, this feeling passes once the event is over, and we move on.

But what happens when the alarm system doesn’t turn off? What if that knot in your stomach is a constant companion? What if your heart races not because of a presentation, but just because you're trying to get through the day? For many, anxiety isn't a fleeting feeling; it’s a constant, overwhelming presence that interferes with our ability to live a full life.

Recognising when your anxiety has crossed that line is the first and most important step toward finding relief. This isn't about blaming yourself or labelling your feelings. It's about empowering you with the knowledge to understand your own experience and decide if it's time to seek a little extra support.

The Difference Between Normal Anxiety and a Problem

Think of normal anxiety like a fire alarm that activates only when there's a real fire. It serves a purpose: it alerts you to danger and prompts you to act. Once the fire is out, the alarm turns off.

Problematic anxiety, on the other hand, is an alarm that goes off all the time - even when there's no fire. It might blare loudly and suddenly in a panic attack, or it might be a low, persistent hum that never quite goes away. While normal anxiety is temporary and proportional to the situation, problematic anxiety is:

• Persistent: It lingers for weeks or months, not just for a few hours.

• Disproportionate: It feels much bigger and more powerful than the actual trigger, or it exists with no clear trigger at all.

• Impairing: It stops you from doing things you want to do or need to do, affecting your work, relationships, and wellbeing.

  
  

If you’re wondering if your anxiety falls into this category, here are some key signs to look for.

Key Signs That Your Anxiety Might Be More Than 'Normal'

It’s Impacting Your Daily Life 

One of the clearest signs that your anxiety is more than a passing phase is when it begins to dictate your decisions and limit your life. This could look like:

• Avoiding social events: You turn down invitations because the thought of small talk or being in a crowd is too overwhelming.

• Skipping work or school: You feel too ill or too stressed to go in, even if there’s no clear physical reason.

• Avoiding new experiences: You stop trying new things or pursuing your passions out of fear of the unknown.

• Struggling with simple tasks: Running errands, making phone calls, or even leaving the house can feel like an insurmountable challenge.

  
  

The Physical Symptoms Are Unmanageable 

Anxiety isn't just in your head - it has a powerful physical impact. For many people, these physical symptoms are the most frightening part. If you're experiencing any of the following frequently, your body may be telling you that your anxiety is in overdrive:

• Panic Attacks: A sudden, overwhelming surge of intense fear that comes with physical symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom.

• Chronic Physical Issues: Persistent headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, or a weakened immune system can all be manifestations of chronic anxiety.

• Difficulty Sleeping: You might find it hard to fall asleep because your mind is racing, or you may wake up in the middle of the night with a sense of dread.

  
  

You're Stuck in a Cycle of Worry 

Do you find yourself constantly replaying conversations in your head, worrying about what you said or didn't say? Are you always thinking about "what if" scenarios, imagining the worst-case outcomes for everything? This mental loop is a common sign of a serious anxiety issue. It’s an inability to be present in the moment because your mind is stuck in the past or racing toward a hypothetical, negative future. This can make it nearly impossible to focus on work, enjoy a conversation, or simply relax.

You're Using Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms 

When anxiety feels unbearable, it's natural to look for a way to find relief. But sometimes, those quick fixes can become a problem in themselves. If you find yourself frequently using alcohol, recreational drugs, or food to numb your anxious feelings, it's a strong sign that you need to address the underlying issue. These coping mechanisms offer temporary escape but ultimately leave you more vulnerable to anxiety in the long run.

You Feel a Sense of Impending Doom 

This is a particularly terrifying symptom. It's an unexplained, pervasive feeling that something bad is about to happen, even when everything around you seems calm and safe. This can be the result of a nervous system that is on constant high alert, misinterpreting every signal as a threat. Living with this feeling is exhausting and deeply unsettling.

The Benefits of Seeking Professional Support

If any of these signs resonate with you, it's a powerful and brave step to consider seeking professional help. Counselling for anxiety is not about ‘curing’ you or magically making all your worries disappear. It's about giving you the tools to understand, manage, and ultimately live with your anxiety, so it no longer controls your life.

Working with a counsellor, you can:

• Understand the Root Cause: A therapist can help you explore the origins of your anxiety, whether it's from past experiences, learned behaviours, or life transitions.

• Learn Practical Strategies: You'll be equipped with practical tools to calm your nervous system in the moment, such as breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises.

• Challenge Your Thoughts: You'll learn to identify and reframe the unhelpful thought patterns that fuel your anxiety, reducing their power over you.

• Find Relief: The simple act of talking openly and honestly about your fears in a safe, confidential space can provide an immense sense of relief and validation.

Your anxiety is real, and your struggle is valid. You don't have to carry this burden alone. Taking the first step towards professional help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of profound strength and a commitment to your own wellbeing.

If you’re ready to begin that journey, I am here to help. Please feel free to get in touch for a confidential chat.