When Anxiety Starts Running Your Life: Signs It’s Time for Support
Most people experience anxiety at some point. It’s part of being human. But when anxiety starts shaping how you sleep, work, or connect with others, it can feel exhausting—and hard to explain to people who don’t live with it.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not stuck.
When Anxiety Is More Than Stress
Stress tends to come and go. Anxiety often lingers. You might notice:
-
Constant worry that’s hard to shut off
-
Physical symptoms like tightness in your chest, headaches, or stomach issues
-
Avoiding situations because they feel overwhelming
-
Trouble sleeping, even when you’re exhausted
Over time, anxiety can start making decisions for you. What you avoid. What you say yes to. How safe your body feels in everyday moments.
Why “Pushing Through” Often Makes It Worse
Many people try to manage anxiety by ignoring it, staying busy, or telling themselves to tough it out. While understandable, this can actually reinforce the anxiety cycle. Your nervous system never gets the message that it’s okay to settle.
Support helps interrupt that cycle.
What Anxiety Therapy Focuses On
Therapy for anxiety isn’t about eliminating fear entirely. It’s about helping your body and mind respond differently when anxiety shows up. That often includes:
-
Understanding your anxiety patterns
-
Learning skills to regulate your nervous system
-
Gradually facing what feels hard with support
-
Building a sense of internal steadiness over time
A Supportive Next Step
If anxiety is starting to run your life, support can make this feel more manageable.
Lepage Associates offers anxiety therapy in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill, with telehealth across North Carolina for flexibility and access.