Anxiety is a term we hear frequently, but unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it can be difficult to fully understand. It’s often described as worry or stress, but in reality, anxiety is so much more than that. It is a physical, emotional, and mental experience that can leave a person feeling trapped, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
Imagine waking up in the morning, already feeling a sense of dread before your feet even touch the floor. There's no clear reason for it, nothing specific you can point to, but your heart is already racing, and your chest feels tight. The day hasn't started, but it already feels like you're being chased by something you can't see. This is often the starting point for many who live with anxiety.
The Mental Struggle
Mentally, anxiety feels like your mind is constantly running at full speed, like a hamster wheel that never stops spinning. You overthink every decision, every conversation, replaying situations in your head, wondering if you said the wrong thing or if someone misunderstood you. It’s as if your brain refuses to allow any sense of peace. You can be sitting in a room full of people, yet feel entirely disconnected because your mind is too busy analysing everything around you.
Thoughts pile on top of one another, sometimes irrational and far-fetched, but still carrying a weight that makes them feel real. It’s not just worrying about the big things in life — it can be as small as worrying about sending the right email or if people are judging you for how you look. Everything seems amplified.
The Physical Toll
But anxiety isn’t just in your head. The physical symptoms can be equally debilitating. Tightness in your chest, difficulty breathing, and that constant knot in your stomach are just a few of the physical sensations people often experience. Your muscles might ache from the tension you carry, even though you haven’t physically exerted yourself. You may feel constantly fatigued, yet sleep doesn’t offer much relief.
One of the most distressing physical symptoms of anxiety is the feeling that you're about to lose control or that something terrible is about to happen. This sense of impending doom can come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling powerless. Your body reacts as if it’s preparing for danger, even though no danger is present.
Emotional Overload
Emotionally, anxiety is draining. There’s a constant internal dialogue of fear and self-doubt, and it can make you feel isolated. You might know, logically, that others aren’t judging you or that your worries aren’t based in reality, but that doesn't quiet the storm inside. This disconnect between what you know and what you feel can be frustrating and often leads to self-criticism.
For many, anxiety also brings a sense of guilt. You may feel guilty for worrying so much, for not being able to control your emotions, or for how your anxiety affects those around you. This guilt can create a vicious cycle, feeding into your anxiety even more.
Living with Anxiety
Living with anxiety isn’t just about “being stressed.” It’s an ongoing battle with your mind and body. It can take away joy, peace, and the ability to feel present. But it’s important to remember that while anxiety can feel all-encompassing, it doesn’t define you. There are ways to manage and cope with anxiety, whether through therapy, mindfulness, or other coping mechanisms. With the right support, you can learn to navigate the challenges it presents and regain control of your life.
At Tracy Dixon Counselling, I help clients to find ways to manage their anxiety. If you have found this article helpful and would like further professional support, please do not hesitate to contact me. Counselling for anxiety can provide specialised tools and techniques to help you navigate through your anxiety and discover a calmer, more balanced life.
Contact Information:
Phone: 07818 421861
Email: tracydixoncounselling@gmail.com
Website: www.tracydixoncounselling.co.uk
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