Anxiety
"When we do not feel wanted, we make ourselves needed."
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- Gabor Mate
What we can explore together
There is nothing wrong with experiencing anxiety—it’s a natural response to stress. When anxiety comes up in counselling, these are some of the common areas we focus on, helping you understand and reduce your anxiety with patience, care, and support.
Avoidance and Withdrawal
You might find yourself avoiding situations or activities that trigger your anxiety, which can make it harder to fully engage with life. You might notice that things you once enjoyed now feel like heavy burdens, with your anxiety draining the joy from them. You might also withdraw from social interactions, fearing judgment or criticism from others, which only deepens feelings of loneliness and isolation. It can be tough when it feels like anxiety is holding you back from living fully.
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Mental and Emotional Exhaustion
When anxiety takes over, your mind can feel foggy and scattered, making it hard to focus on tasks or even remember things. Even simple tasks might feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination or avoidance. Despite feeling completely exhausted, the racing thoughts and constant worries can make it hard to relax or sleep, leaving you feeling drained but unable to rest. This mental and emotional exhaustion can leave you feeling physically depleted, making it even harder to cope with everyday challenges.
Self-Criticism and Boundary Setting
You may struggle with harsh self-criticism and negative self-talk, often feeling like you’re not doing enough or that you’re not good enough. This only fuels your anxiety, leaving you stuck in a cycle of feeling inadequate or worthless. You might be constantly on edge, bracing for the worst-case scenario in every situation, which only adds to your stress. Setting boundaries can feel difficult, and you may find yourself taking on too much, unable to say no. This can lead to burnout, making it hard to manage everything you’ve taken on.