Anxiety is a common emotional response that everyone experiences from time to time. However, when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can interfere with daily life.
Anxiety is marked by feelings of tension, worry, and fear. It’s that feeling inside that says, “It’s not safe.” Physically, it can manifest as an increased heartbeat, sweating, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. While some anxiety is normal—especially in stressful situations—chronic anxiety can lead to disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
From an evolutionary perspective, anxiety is a vital survival mechanism. It triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response in dangerous situations, preparing us to confront or escape from threats. This response is rooted in our biology, allowing us to react quickly to potential dangers, whether they be a wild predator or a challenging situation in modern life.
However, many anxiety triggers today are not life-threatening; they often stem from work stress, relationship issues, or societal pressures. Additionally, in our information-saturated world, we constantly experience sensory stimulation. This heightened state of alertness can become maladaptive, leading to chronic anxiety that no longer serves its protective purpose. Essentially, anxiety describes a perceived threat without a resolution. This ongoing tension in the background can become a normalised habit. For some, it’s like the hum of a fridge—present but not consciously noticed. If this applies to you, you might feel a general unease without being able to identify why.
Anxiety is often linked to trauma, particularly attachment trauma. This type of trauma occurs when there are disruptions or inconsistencies in primary relationships, especially during childhood. When caregivers are unreliable, neglectful, or abusive, it can create feelings of insecurity and fear. Such unstable attachments can lead to anxiety as individuals grow up, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships and cope with stress.
It’s important to remember that there is no “anxious” person—just someone whose nervous system has developed in a particular way. This can be unlearned. Each person’s experience of anxiety is unique, and so is the path to healing. Typically, this journey involves physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
On the physical level, we can learn tools to regulate our nervous system, release stored stress, and build a sense of safety. Mentally, strategies to change unhelpful thinking patterns can help reduce anxiety (self-judgment being a significant contributor to anxiety!). However, the deepest healing often needs to happen on the emotional level. If we haven’t learned how to process our emotions, or if we have stored trauma, it can feel unsafe to be in our bodies. A common strategy to maintain a sense of safety is to “stay in our heads.” Yet, when our minds cease their activity, feelings of unease can increase, contributing to anxiety. Therefore, our emotional work focuses on healing trauma and building the capacity to feel.
If anxiety is negatively affecting your quality of life, I can guide you on the path to healing, helping you create a fulfilled and values-driven life.
