Understanding Anxiety: What It Is and How It Affects Us

Anxiety is a word most of us are familiar with — but experiencing it can feel very different from simply knowing what it means. At its core, anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It’s our nervous system’s way of alerting us to potential danger, keeping us on guard and ready to react.

In moderation, anxiety can actually serve a helpful purpose. It sharpens our focus before a big exam, keeps us alert when driving in heavy traffic, or motivates us to prepare for an important meeting. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can start to interfere with daily life.

Common Signs of Anxiety

While everyone experiences anxiety differently, some common signs include:

• Racing thoughts or difficulty controlling worry

• Feeling restless or “on edge”

• Trouble sleeping or relaxing

• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath

• Difficulty concentrating or staying present

For some, anxiety shows up mainly in the mind — through excessive worry, overthinking, or “what if” scenarios. For others, it can feel more physical, showing up as muscle tension, stomach upset, or panic attacks.

Why Anxiety Happens

Anxiety is deeply connected to the body’s fight-or-flight response. When our brain perceives a threat (whether real or imagined), it sends signals that prepare us to respond quickly. This can be incredibly useful in moments of real danger.

But in today’s world, many of the “threats” we face aren’t life-threatening — things like work stress, financial worries, or relationship challenges. Still, the body reacts as if we’re in immediate danger, leaving us feeling stuck in a cycle of worry and tension.

When Anxiety Becomes a Concern

It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time. But if anxiety feels constant, out of proportion, or is keeping you from living the life you want, it may be time to seek support. Ongoing anxiety can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and even physical health issues.

The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable. Through approaches like counselling, mindfulness, breathwork, and lifestyle changes, many people find lasting relief and learn tools to calm their nervous system.

Moving Toward Healing

If you’re experiencing anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to share their struggles, but reaching out for support can make a world of difference. Working with a counsellor provides a safe, non-judgmental space to understand what’s happening in your body and mind, and to learn strategies to manage anxiety in healthier ways.

Healing doesn’t mean eliminating anxiety altogether — rather, it’s about learning to regulate it, so it no longer controls you. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to move from a place of constant worry to one of balance and resilience.

✨ At Healing Waves Counselling, we specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety with compassion and evidence-based approaches. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk alongside you.

6 short clips explaining how anxiety works.