How do I know if I have Anxiety?

Anxiety isn’t just a passing worry or nervousness, it’s a constant companion that can feel like a weight you can’t shake. Even when there’s no clear reason to feel stressed, it lingers, making everyday life harder than it needs to be. Anxiety often feels like your mind is working against you, leaving you tired, uneasy, and stuck.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:^[1]

A Mind That Won’t Quiet Down

Do you catch yourself overthinking everything, replaying conversations, or imagining the worst-case scenario? This mental noise can feel exhausting and endless.

Restless Energy That Won’t Let You Relax

Anxiety can leave you feeling drained yet restless, like you’re always on edge but unable to focus.

A Body That Feels Stuck in Overdrive

Rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, or that tightness in your chest might make it feel like your body is reacting to a danger that isn’t there.

Sleep That Never Feels Restful

Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night with racing thoughts, anxiety can keep you from the rest your body and mind need.

Avoidance That Keeps You Isolated

Avoiding social situations, responsibilities, or even loved ones might feel like the easiest way to cope, but it can also leave you feeling disconnected and alone.

Source: Stress vs. anxiety: How to tell the difference (Medical News Today)

How Does Anxiety Affect Relationships?

Your anxiety doesn’t just impact your mind, it can show up in your relationships as well, creating challenges for both you and your loved ones. While you may desperately want to connect, anxiety often makes it feel like there’s an invisible wall between you and the people who matter most.

The impact of anxiety on relationships:^[2,3]

Communication Struggles: Anxiety can lead to overthinking, constant worry, and fear of judgment, making open and honest communication difficult.
Emotional Withdrawal: Those with anxiety may pull back emotionally, fearing vulnerability or rejection.
Increased Need for Reassurance: One partner may seek excessive reassurance, which can lead to dependency and strain on their partner.
Partner Frustration: The non-anxious partner may feel frustrated, helpless, or unsure of how to provide effective support.
Tension and Misunderstandings: Anxiety can make it seem like one partner is “walking on eggshells” to avoid triggering anxious feelings, which can lead to misunderstandings and distance.

Therapy, especially couples counselling, can provide tools for both you and your partner to navigate anxiety constructively, improve communication, and build empathy. Your efforts in addressing anxiety will help foster a healthy and supportive partnership where both people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Source: Anxiety evolved to help us — what went wrong? A neuroscientist explains. | Wendy Suzuki

Is Anxiety Treatable?

Yes, absolutely! You can overcome the negative effects of anxiety.^[4] Counselling for anxiety is one of the most effective ways to get it under control. For many people, counselling provides lasting relief by addressing the root causes of anxiety, not just the symptoms. The key is staying committed to your healing process and giving yourself grace during the difficult times. In this way, you can take an iterative approach while learning to navigate your inner world.

Therapy helps you understand the root causes of your anxiety and equips you with tools to manage it effectively.

Booking Process

Learn about our Online Therapy Option

Can Anxiety Get Worse Over Time?

Ignoring anxiety doesn’t make it disappear, instead, it tends to grow louder, gradually taking a toll on your body and mind. When left unaddressed, anxiety can creep into every part of your life, leading to feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and even physical health issues.^[5]

Impact of Anxiety on Your Health:

Heart Health: Chronic anxiety can raise your blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart problems.
Immune System Weakness: Persistent stress may make it harder for your body to fight off illness.
Digestive Troubles: Anxiety can upset your stomach, leading to ongoing digestive discomfort.
Heightened Risk of Depression and Panic Disorders: Unchecked anxiety often paves the way for other mental health challenges.

By acknowledging your anxiety and seeking help, you can prevent it from taking over your life. Tuning into what you’re feeling and learning strategies to manage it can bring relief and help protect your long-term well-being. You don’t have to face it alone—support is available.

Source: Instagram Post (National Institute of Mental Health)

How Will Therapy Help Me with Anxiety?

When anxiety has its grip on you, it can feel like there’s no way out. A therapist can help you identify where the anxiety may be coming from, help you find ways to cope with it, and offer a sense of hope. Whether it’s general anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, or panic attacks, therapy offers a safe space to talk about what’s going on and figure out how to break the cycle.

Different kinds of therapy work for different people, and your therapist will work with you to find the best fit. Some common options include:^[6]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most proven approaches for anxiety, CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns that fuel your anxiety and replace them with more realistic, balanced ones.
Exposure Therapy: If anxiety has you avoiding certain situations, exposure therapy gently guides you to face those fears step by step. Over time, this builds confidence and reduces avoidance behaviors.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Learning to stay present and let go of racing thoughts can make a world of difference. Mindfulness, often paired with breathing exercises, helps calm your mind and body, making anxiety feel more manageable.

Take the first step to break the anxious thinking patterns.

Reach Out to a Therapist Specialized in Anxiety Counselling.