Living with Anxiety: What’s Normal and When to Seek Help

Written by Jessica Stouffer, LCSW

Anxiety is something we all experience at different points in our lives. It’s our body’s natural response to stress or danger, often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response. Feeling anxious before a big presentation, a first date, or during uncertain times is normal and, in some cases, even helpful. But how do we distinguish between normal anxiety and something more concerning?

The Normal Side of Anxiety

Anxiety, in its healthy form, serves a purpose. It alerts us to potential threats, keeps us focused, and motivates us to prepare for challenges. For example:

- Feeling nervous before an exam might push you to study harder.

- Worrying about a loved one can encourage you to check in on them.

- Being anxious about a deadline might help you stay on track.

These experiences of anxiety are typically temporary, manageable, and tied to specific situations. Once the event or stressor is resolved, the anxious feelings tend to subside.

When Anxiety Becomes Unhealthy

For some people, anxiety goes beyond occasional nerves or stress. It becomes a persistent, overwhelming force that interferes with daily life. This type of anxiety might signal an anxiety disorder. Here are some signs that anxiety may no longer be “normal”:

1. It’s Constant or Disproportionate: You’re anxious most of the time, even about things that don’t seem to warrant such a strong response.

2. It Impacts Daily Life: Anxiety prevents you from going to work, maintaining relationships, or enjoying activities you used to love.

3. Physical Symptoms Are Severe: Chronic anxiety can manifest physically through headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances.

4. Avoidance Behaviors: You’re avoiding situations, places, or people because of fear or worry.

5. Panic Attacks: You experience intense episodes of fear that come on suddenly, accompanied by symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense of impending doom.

What Causes Unhealthy Anxiety?

The causes of anxiety disorders can vary, including:

- Genetics: Anxiety disorders often run in families.

- Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine can contribute to anxiety.

- Trauma: Past experiences, especially those involving trauma or abuse, can lead to heightened anxiety.

- Lifestyle Factors: High stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

When to Seek Help

If anxiety feels unmanageable or is interfering with your quality of life, it’s important to seek support. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward healing. Here are some indicators that it might be time to consult a professional:

- Your anxiety is chronic and doesn’t seem to improve on its own.

- You’re experiencing physical symptoms that don’t have a clear medical cause.

- You feel isolated because of your worries.

- You’ve tried coping strategies, but they haven’t helped.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. A therapist can help you:

- Identify triggers and understand the root causes of your anxiety.

- Develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

- Challenge unhelpful thought patterns through approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

- Build resilience and regain control over your life.

Final Thoughts

Living with anxiety doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence. Understanding the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder is the first step toward finding relief. Remember, it’s okay to seek help—you don’t have to face it alone.

At The Hope Spot Therapy and Counseling Services, we specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety and other challenges. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your journey toward peace and balance.

You deserve to feel calm, confident, and in control. Let us help you get there.