Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion — everyone feels worried, overwhelmed, or unsettled at times. But when anxiety starts affecting your daily life, sleep, relationships, or sense of peace, it can feel exhausting and isolating.
If you live with anxiety, you are not alone — and there is nothing “wrong” with you. Your nervous system is doing its best to keep you safe, even if the alarm feels louder than it needs to be.
Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means your body has been carrying too much for too long.
With understanding, support, and the right tools, anxiety can become more manageable — and life can feel calmer, softer, and more grounded again.
What Anxiety Can Feel Like
Anxiety shows up differently for everyone, but common signs include:
Racing thoughts or overthinking
Tight chest, rapid heartbeat, shaky or restless body
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling “on edge” or easily overwhelmed
Avoiding situations that feel stressful
Irritability or sensitivity to noise or busy environments
Feeling like something bad will happen
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Needing more reassurance than usual
Anxiety isn't “just in your head” — it's in your body, your breath, your nervous system. And it’s valid.
How Counselling Can Help
Together, we can gently explore:
What triggers your anxiety
How your body responds to stress
Techniques to calm your nervous system
Strategies to manage worry thoughts
Ways to create safety, structure, and grounding
Emotional regulation skills
Self-compassion and confidence building
Supportive routines and coping tools
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We work together to find what feels right for you.
Simple Tools to Begin Calming Anxiety
Here are some gentle strategies that many people find helpful:
🌬️ Focused Breathing
Slow breath in for 4 seconds, out for 6.
Long exhales help the body feel safe.
🌱 Grounding Techniques
Name: 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
🤍 Self-Reassurance
Replace “What if it goes wrong?” with
“I can handle this. I'm safe in this moment.”
🧘♀️ Sensory Regulation
Weighted blanket, warm drink, gentle movement, soft music, nature.
📝 Thoughts to Paper
Writing worries out helps your brain let them go instead of looping.
🕊️ Permission to Rest
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is slow down.
For Children & Teens With Anxiety
Young people often show anxiety through:
Meltdowns or withdrawal
Trouble sleeping
School refusal or avoidance
Physical complaints (tummy aches, headaches)
Reassurance seeking
Anger, irritability, or overwhelm
Supporting young people means:
Creating safety
Understanding their brain and feelings
Teaching calming and regulation tools
Helping them feel seen, safe, and capable
Play, creative therapy, and gentle strategies can help them build strength and confidence.
You Don’t Have to Manage Anxiety Alone
Whether your anxiety feels like a constant hum or a sudden storm, support is available. Together, we can find tools that help you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control.
You deserve peace.
You deserve rest.
And you deserve support as you learn to manage your anxiety with strength and self-kindness.
One small step at a time — you've got this 💛
