Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and in many ways, it’s a normal part of life. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, whether it’s before a big presentation, during a tough conversation, or in unfamiliar situations. Anxiety can even serve a positive purpose, pushing you to prepare, stay alert, or be cautious. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, constant, or disproportionate to the situation, it can interfere with daily life and well-being. This is when it might be time to seek help.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

When people think of anxiety, they often associate it with basic signs like:

• Persistent worry or fear

• Restlessness

• Rapid heartbeat

• Trouble sleeping

• Difficulty concentrating

• Muscle tension or headaches

These are the everyday symptoms of anxiety that most people are familiar with. However, anxiety can also show up in more subtle and not-so-obvious ways.

The Not-So-Obvious Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t always announce itself loudly. It can creep into your life in ways you might not immediately recognize, such as:

• Irritability or impatience: Feeling easily annoyed by small things can sometimes be a mask for underlying anxiety.

• Perfectionism: The need to get everything "just right" can be a coping mechanism for anxiety.

• Indecisiveness: Struggling to make decisions, even over minor choices, may stem from anxiety about making the "wrong" choice.

• Avoidance behaviors: Skipping social events, avoiding difficult conversations, or procrastinating on tasks due to fear of discomfort.

• Chronic fatigue: Anxiety can drain your mental and physical energy, leaving you feeling constantly exhausted, even when you're not doing much.

• Hypervigilance: Constantly being "on edge" and scanning for potential threats, even in safe environments, is a hallmark of anxiety that often goes unnoticed.

• Somatic symptoms: Anxiety often manifests in the body, leading to gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, or unexplained aches and pains.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

It's important to know when anxiety has crossed the line from being a normal, temporary feeling to something that requires intervention. You should consider seeking help if you experience any of the following:

• Anxiety that persists for weeks or months and doesn't seem to go away.

• Anxiety that disrupts your daily life, making it hard to work, socialize, or take care of yourself.

• A feeling that you're "always worrying" and can't seem to control it.

• Avoidance of situations or people that cause you anxiety, to the point that it's affecting your life.

• Using substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.) to manage or escape anxiety.

• Physical symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, that might make you think there’s something wrong with your health.

If you find that your anxiety is holding you back or impacting your quality of life, it's a good idea to talk to a professional counselor. In some cases, anxiety may also require medication, which is something to discuss with your doctor.

What Can Make Anxiety Worse?

Several factors can exacerbate anxiety or make it harder to manage, including:

• Overcommitting and lack of boundaries: Constantly saying "yes" to requests and overloading yourself can lead to burnout and heightened anxiety. Setting personal boundaries is critical in reducing stress.

• Past trauma: Trauma can leave a lasting mark on the brain and body, causing you to live in a heightened state of fight-or-flight, even when there’s no present danger. This hypervigilance can make anxiety much worse.

• Cognitive distortions: Anxiety often involves distorted ways of thinking, such as:

• Jumping to conclusions: Assuming the worst without any real evidence, such as believing someone is upset with you or that an event will go badly.

• Catastrophizing: Thinking that a minor issue will lead to a major catastrophe, like imagining a small mistake will ruin your career.

These negative thinking patterns can create a cycle of anxiety that feeds on itself.

The Role of Avoidance in Anxiety

One of the most common ways people cope with anxiety is through avoidance—whether it’s avoiding a certain situation, conversation, or task. While avoidance might bring temporary relief, it actually makes anxiety worse in the long run. By avoiding the source of anxiety, you reinforce the belief that the situation is too dangerous or overwhelming to face. Over time, this can make your world smaller and your anxiety larger.

Instead, learning to face and accept anxiety can be a healthier and more sustainable approach. In fact, some anxiety is beneficial—it keeps us motivated and can push us to prepare for challenges. The goal isn’t to get rid of anxiety but to manage it in a way that allows you to live fully and with purpose.

Understanding the Root Cause of Anxiety

For many people, anxiety doesn’t seem to have an obvious cause. It can feel like a general sense of unease or dread that doesn’t seem linked to anything specific. This "free-floating" anxiety can be incredibly frustrating, and people often turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to calm themselves down. Unfortunately, this creates a cycle of avoidance, as substances temporarily mask anxiety but don’t address the underlying issues.

Getting Help for Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, the good news is that help is available, and treatment is effective. Many people benefit from working with a mental health counselor, particularly one who specializes in evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety, while ACT teaches you how to accept difficult emotions and commit to taking action in line with your values, rather than avoiding discomfort.

The Effectiveness of Telehealth for Anxiety Treatment

Research shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety. Whether you're in the comfort of your home or in a therapist’s office, what matters is the connection and the use of evidence-based treatment approaches. With telehealth, you have the flexibility to schedule appointments without needing to travel, making it more convenient and accessible. In many cases, people start feeling better after just a few sessions.

Take the Next Step

If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, you don’t have to struggle alone. I specialize in treating anxiety using evidence-based treatment like CBT and ACT. Together, we can develop a plan that helps you manage your anxiety and reclaim your life. Whether through in-person or telehealth sessions, I'm here to help you start feeling better today.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your first appointment or a free consultation to see how we can work together. You deserve to feel better, and help is just one step away.

For your convenience, we are in-network with major insurance providers such as Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medical Mutual of Ohio, making it easier for you to access the care you need.

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