Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions across the globe. It’s so prominent, that it’s often far too “normalized” in today’s society. 

Some anxiety may be unavoidable, and it’s not always “abnormal”. But, there’s a difference between feeling nervous and anxious. There’s also a difference between feeling anxious about something specific and letting those anxious thoughts control your life. 

So, what is a “normal” amount of anxiety?

It’s okay to feel anxious when you’re faced with a threat or something uncertain. At its very core, anxiety is a protective tool. It’s your body’s “fight or flight” response to a situation your brain deems unsafe. 

But, when does it become too much? When is anxiety problematic, rather than protective? 

Taking a Look at Your Anxiety

It’s not always easy to see in the moment when your anxiety becomes “too much”. Often, you might have to ask yourself retroactively. 

Think about the last time you felt anxious. Do you think you were blowing things out of proportion? Did you end up worrying about something that didn’t even happen? 

Beyond that, think about how you tend to feel on a daily basis. Do you avoid doing things—even things you might enjoy—because you’re worried about what might go wrong? How tense do you feel on a regular basis? Are you always thinking about the “what ifs” in any given situation?

The answers to those questions can give you a better idea whether your anxiety is problematic. 

It’s okay if those are difficult questions to answer or hard realizations to come to. The important thing is to remember you’re not alone. 

When Anxiety Takes Over

Another way to tell if your anxiety has become too much is if it seems to control almost every aspect of your life. 

Have you changed things about yourself or the way you do things because you’re fearful? When untreated, anxiety can negatively impact everything from your relationships to your career. Does that sound familiar?

Unfortunately, the more anxiety is allowed to “take over,” the worse your symptoms can become, causing somewhat of a vicious cycle. 

For example, anxiety can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep. But, not getting enough sleep can also trigger more anxiety, making matters worse. That’s just one of many ways in which anxiety can essentially “fuel itself” when it isn’t treated properly.  

What Can You Do?

If you know that your anxiety is something more than responsive worry, again, remind yourself that you’re not alone. Anxiety is common for a reason. We live in an uncertain world in unprecedented times. Feeling the need to put up your protective responses in certain situations is understandable. 

But, if that fear has started to take over your life, it’s important to seek help before it consumes you.  

The good news? Anxiety is very manageable and treatable. It starts with getting to the underlying cause(s) of the problem. That can take some time and it requires you to peel back layers. It isn’t always easy, but getting to the core of the problem is the best way to learn to manage your symptoms in a healthy way.  

The last thing you need to do is live your life in fear. If any of these things sound familiar, or you’ve been trying to deny the fact that anxiety is taking over your life, feel free to contact me. Together, we’ll get to the bottom of your fears and anxious thoughts. We’ll also go over ways you can manage your symptoms, and how you can eventually overcome anxiety, rather than letting it control you.