Understanding Anxiety: Why Your Mind Won’t Stop Worrying

Written By Shilea Cooper

“What if something goes wrong?”

If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night replaying conversations or imagining worst case scenarios then you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek out therapy. Many people think anxiety is a weakness. The truth is anxiety is your mind and body’s way of protecting you.

Anxiety Is Your Brain’s Alarm System

Imagine your home has a smoke detector. When there’s a fire the alarm serves an important purpose. It alerts you to danger so you can respond.

Your nervous system works in a similar way.

When your brain senses a threat it activates your body’s alarm system. Your muscles tense and your heart pounds faster. This response is really helpful when you’re facing real danger. But anxiety doesn’t always know the difference between an actual threat and a perceived one.

What Anxiety Can Look Like

Anxiety often looks like:

  • Overthinking

  • Feeling on edge

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Irritability

  • Headaches, muscle tension, or stomach aches

  • Restlessness

For a lot of people anxiety can be exhausting.

Healing is More Than Managing Symptoms

Coping skills are really helpful. However, lasting healing involves more than just learning coping skills.

During our time together in sessions we will explore questions like:

  • What experiences shaped your nervous system?

  • What beliefs do you have about yourself and the world?

  • What emotions are you carrying that have been suppressed?

  • What patterns do you notice?

With curiosity and the right tools your nervous system can learn that it doesn’t have to be on high alert all the time.

➡ Anxiety may be part of your story but it doesn’t have to be the one holding the pen.

If you’re ready to better understand your anxiety and find the right tools I’d be honored to help you on that journey.

Shilea Cooper