Understanding Anxiety

 Anxiety is a common emotional response to stress and is something everyone experiences from time to time. It can range from a mild sense of unease to overwhelming feelings of dread or panic. 

At its core, anxiety is a protective mechanism designed to alert us to perceived threats. However, in modern life, these triggers are often not life-threatening in the same way they once were. The modern-day causes of anxiety—work pressure, financial worries, or social expectations—are often more about the perceived dangers of failure, judgment, or the unknown, rather than physical survival.

As with many emotional experiences, anxiety is natural. It’s our body’s way of preparing us to face challenges, triggering a heightened sense of alertness and readiness. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or chronic, it can interfere with daily life and wellbeing. 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex emotional experience involving thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. It often arises when we anticipate a future threat, even when that threat is not immediate or tangible. It can manifest in various ways, such as excessive worry, fear, or a constant feeling of being on edge. In its more severe forms, it may lead to panic attacks, where the body reacts with intense physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath. While anxiety can be a normal response to stress, it becomes problematic when:

• The feelings of anxiety are overwhelming and persistent.
• Fears feel out of proportion to the situation.
• Worries are difficult to control or distressing.
• Anxiety starts to interfere with daily life, social activities, or work performance.

Causes of Anxiety

The causes of anxiety vary widely from person to person. Some people may experience anxiety as a result of past trauma, while others may struggle with it due to daily stressors or ongoing life challenges. Understanding the root causes of your anxiety is vital for addressing it in a healthy way. Whatever the source, acknowledging the cause is the first step in transforming your relationship with anxiety.

Reframing Anxiety

One transformative way to deal with anxiety is to change how we relate to it. Often, we see anxiety as an enemy, something to fight or eliminate. But what if we reframed it as something that, while uncomfortable, is actually trying to protect us? By shifting our perspective and embracing anxiety as a natural response, we can reduce its power over us.

Anxiety can become a teacher—a signal that we are out of our comfort zone or facing something unknown. By recognising this, we can approach anxiety with curiosity instead of fear.