What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural, built-in alarm system. It evolved to keep us safe from danger — quickening our heart rate, sharpening our senses, preparing us to fight or flee. In small doses, anxiety is helpful. It motivates us to prepare for a big presentation, drives us to look both ways before crossing the street.
But for millions of people, anxiety stops being a useful signal and starts being a constant presence — one that intrudes on everyday life, disrupts sleep, strains relationships, and feels impossible to control.
Signs That Anxiety May Be a Problem
- Worrying that is difficult to control and occupies much of your day
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness
- Avoiding situations because they trigger anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Irritability or feeling constantly "on edge"
What Helps?
The good news: anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is consistently found to be the most effective psychological treatment. It works by helping you identify and challenge the thought patterns that fuel anxiety, and gradually face feared situations rather than avoiding them.
If you recognise yourself in what you have read here, please know that you do not have to manage this alone. Reaching out is the first and most important step.