This may be frustrating to hear, but anxiety is normal. What shouldn’t be seen as normal and accepted is when anxiety is distressing, resulting in a feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to be present in one’s life as desired. Anxiety is trying to tell us something, to warn us that something feels unsafe or uneasy. If you're reading this, you probably know that simply telling the anxiety to stop doesn't work.

Anxiety can show up as a persistent worry, difficulty concentrating, overgeneralizing to assume the worst case scenario, constant second guessing, irritability, restlessness, fatigue and nausea, to list a few. By listening to and facing the anxiety we can gain a greater understanding of what is needed in that moment and to remain present. Coping skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, journaling and exercise can help manage anxiety symptoms. In some cases consultation with a doctor for evaluation and possible medication could be warranted.

In therapy we can reshape the relationship with our anxiety to better identify what feels unsafe or distressing and identify how we CHOOSE to proceed. I look forward to helping you on this journey.