I prefer to think of myself as an overthinking,
avoidant,
    overachiever 

What is Anxiety?

​

Anxiety is that feeling when your mind goes into overdrive, running a marathon of “what-ifs” before you’ve even had your first cup of coffee. It’s like your body’s warning system for danger—except sometimes, the danger is as mysterious as trying to find the TV remote in the couch cushions. It can sneak up on anyone—kids, teens, adults—and often starts as a natural response to stress. But when it takes over and sticks around, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.

​

The good news? You're not alone! Anxiety is something many people experience, and we can help you figure out how to handle it before it starts running the show.

 

Common Signs of Anxiety:

〰️ Constantly feeling like you’re waiting for something bad to happen (but you don’t know what)

​

〰️ Feeling “on edge” all the time—like you’re always in fight-or-flight mode (but with no actual fight or flight in sight)

​

〰️ Trouble unwinding at the end of the day (like your brain is on a treadmill, and it just won’t stop)

​

〰️ Sleepless nights where your mind races faster than your ability to fall asleep

​

〰️ Overthinking everything—should I say something? What if they think I’m weird? Do they think I’m weird? Should I just never leave my house again?

​

〰️ Stomachaches, headaches, or just feeling “off” in general (your body’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe we should chill out for a sec”)

​

〰️ Perfectionism—feeling like everything has to be perfect or else (sometimes you can't even finish something because you're tweaking every little detail)

​​​

〰️ Avoiding situations that might cause stress (social gatherings? Nah, I’m good. Homework? I’ll get to it… maybe)

​

〰️ Physical symptoms—your heart races, your hands sweat, and suddenly, you’re questioning if you’re actually a superhero or just a regular human experiencing a mini meltdown

​

〰️ Trouble concentrating (because your brain is too busy juggling a hundred thoughts at once to pay attention to what's right in front of you)

​

〰️ Irritability – Feeling snappy, even over small things (like someone chewing too loudly or a slow walker in front of you).

​

〰️ Doomscrolling Like It’s Your Job – Constantly checking the news or social media for bad things because maybe if you see it coming, you can prepare (even though that never actually helps).

​

〰️ Feeling Overwhelmed even by Small Decisions – Spending 20 minutes trying to pick a cereal because what if you make the wrong choice?!

​

〰️ Panic Attacks – Feeling like your body just hit the emergency alarm button, but you have no idea why.

​

〰️ Needing Constant Reassurance – “Are you mad at me?” 20 times in one conversation.

​

〰️ Muscle Tension – Shoulders up to your ears, clenched jaw, back pain… basically, your body is permanently bracing for impact.

​

〰️ Over-apologizing – Saying “sorry” for things that don’t require an apology (like existing in a space).

​

〰️ Fidgeting or Restlessness – Bouncing your leg, picking at your nails, or just feeling like you can’t sit still.

​

〰️ Feeling Drained All the Time – Because even when you're not doing anything, your brain is running a marathon.

​

〰️ Random Guilt for No Reason – “Did I do something wrong? I don’t think so. But maybe. I should probably feel bad just in case.”

​

Treatment for Anxiety May Include:

✔  Therapy (specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which sounds fancy, but it’s really just a way to help you make sense of that brain storm of yours)

​

✔  Mindfulness techniques (think of them as “mental yoga” for your mind—deep breaths, relaxation, the whole deal)

​

✔  Medication (a little help from modern science when needed, just to take the edge off)

​

✔  Stress-reduction strategies (like creating a self-care routine that’s not just “Netflix and snacks” but might actually work to calm you down)

 

Final Thoughts:

Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes. For some, it’s like a low hum in the background that never quite shuts off. For others, it’s the big scary monster that pops up when you least expect it (like before a big presentation or first date). But don’t worry, treatment is available, and it can really help! You don’t have to live in constant “what if” mode forever.

 

If you’re ready to take back control, reach out today. We’re here to help you breathe a little easier, one step at a time.