What is anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s alarm system—a built-in warning bell that sometimes gets stuck in the “on” position. It shows up as racing thoughts, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, and that constant hum of “what if?” in the background.
Anxiety loves to live in the future, acting like a fortune teller who only predicts storms. It can sneak up on you, too—slowly building until you realize you’ve been simmering for so long that you’re at a full boil, wondering how you got there. (Think lobster in a pot.)
A tight chest or knotted stomach
Restless energy that won’t shut off
A brain that feels like a never-ending highlight reel of all of your worst moments
How anxiety can feel:
There is hope..
Avoidance is a common but costly response to anxiety. As psychologist Michelle Craske explains, it offers short-term relief but teaches the brain that escape equals safety—making anxiety louder over time.
Barlow calls this a vicious cycle: anxiety → avoidance → brief relief → stronger anxiety → extreme coping. The good news? Research shows that with exposure and CBT, approaching anxiety with skill and compassion can break the cycle and restore a sense of control.
