What Is Anxiety?

Starting Therapy

Sep 8

Written by Ryan Greenwood

Defining Anxiety

We’ve all experienced it—that sudden rush of worry, the tightness in your chest, the feeling that something is just not right. Anxiety has a way of sneaking up on us, sometimes when we least expect it. But what if I told you that anxiety, as uncomfortable as it is, is really just your brain’s way of trying to protect you? Let’s dive into what anxiety really is and how you can manage it in a way that works for you.

Danger: More Than Just Physical

When we think of danger, we often picture something physical—a bear chasing us through the woods, for instance (let’s hope that never happens). But the truth is, danger can come in many forms, and so can the anxiety that follows. It doesn’t have to be something tangible like an impending car accident. Anxiety can be triggered by mental stress, emotional turmoil, spiritual doubts, or even the fear of failure. It’s your brain's way of saying, "Hey, something feels off here!"

Anxiety is essentially your bodyguard—except it sometimes thinks a shadow on the wall is a burglar. Whether it's the pressure of a deadline at work or a difficult conversation you're dreading, your brain detects a threat and flips the anxiety switch. Understanding that the danger doesn’t have to be physical is the first step in managing these feelings.

Listen to the Warning—But Don’t Panic

Here’s the thing about anxiety: it’s trying to tell you something. The key is to figure out if that something is actually useful. Next time you feel that familiar knot in your stomach or your thoughts start racing, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “What is it this anxiety trying to warn me about?” Sometimes, it might be a valid concern—maybe you really do need to prepare more for that big presentation or have that tough conversation you’ve been avoiding. In those cases, your anxiety is giving you helpful, useful information.

But other times, anxiety is overreacting. It’s telling you that missing one workout is the end of your fitness routine or that a slightly awkward silence in a conversation means everyone hates you. These are the moments when anxiety isn’t so much protecting you as it is trying to micromanage every little detail of your life.

Is It Helpful? Take Action. If Not, Thank It and Move On

So, you’ve identified the warning your anxiety is sending. Now what? If your anxiety is actually pointing out something that needs attention—maybe it’s nudging you to prepare for that job interview or reminding you to set boundaries in a relationship—take it to heart. Use that energy to make a change or take action.

On the other hand, if your anxiety is more of a false alarm, it’s time to thank it for its concern and move on. Yes, you read that right—thank your anxiety. After all, it’s just trying to help, even if it’s a little overzealous. Acknowledge the feeling, recognize that it’s not necessary, and then let it go. Easier said than done, I know, but with practice, this can become a powerful tool in managing your anxiety.

Wrapping It Up

Anxiety is not your enemy—it’s your body’s way of keeping you safe, even if it sometimes gets it wrong. By recognizing that the dangers it alerts you to aren’t always physical, listening to what it’s trying to tell you, and deciding whether to act on it or let it go, you can start to manage your anxiety rather than letting it manage you.

If you’re finding that anxiety is becoming a regular, uninvited guest in your life, it might be time to talk to someone who can help. Schedule an appointment with us at Hello Therapy to explore more strategies for managing anxiety and reclaiming your peace of mind. Contact Us today!

Need More Guidance?
At Hello Calm, we specialize in anxiety therapy to help individuals navigate their unique challenges. If you or a loved one are looking for support, visit our Anxiety Therapy page or Contact Us to schedule an appointment today.