“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”
Anxiety
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease that can show up in your thoughts, body, and behaviors. At its core, anxiety is your brain trying to predict and prevent danger—even when there isn’t an actual threat present.
It can look like:
Constant worrying or overthinking
Trouble concentrating
Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or stomach discomfort
Avoiding situations that feel stressful or overwhelming
How Is Anxiety Treated?
Anxiety is highly treatable, and many people find relief with the right combination of support and strategies. Common approaches include:
1. Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge anxious thoughts
Exposure therapy to gradually face fears
Trauma-informed approaches when anxiety is rooted in past experiences
2. Coping Skills & Lifestyle Changes
Deep breathing and grounding techniques
Regular physical activity
Improving sleep habits
Limiting caffeine and substance use
3. Mindfulness & Relaxation
Meditation or mindfulness practices
Progressive muscle relaxation
Learning to stay present instead of focusing on “what ifs”
4. Medication (when appropriate)
Prescribed by a medical provider
Can help regulate brain chemistry and reduce symptoms
5. Support Systems
Talking with trusted friends or family
Support groups or peer communities
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all—what works best depends on the individual.
Learn more about Anxiety
Click on any of the sentences listed below to access the information that is being described in that bullet point.
This links to a PDF handout about what anxiety is and ways to treat anxiety.
This is a well put together short video that describes what it feels like to have anxiety.
This is a short video that discusses 13 ways that anxiety affects a person. Heads up: there is a short advertisement in the middle of the video which is annoying; however, since I think it is a good video, I have still included the link.
Therapists Who Specialize In Anxiety