Understanding Anxiety — What It Is, How It Shows Up, and How

Anxiety is a natural human response—it’s our body’s built-in alarm system, designed to help us stay alert and safe. But when that alarm keeps ringing, even when no real danger is present, it can start to take a toll. At Soma House Counselling & Wellness, we help people understand the roots of their anxiety and learn how to calm the nervous system so that life feels steadier and more manageable. 

Anxiety lives in both the mind and body. It can look like racing thoughts, a tight chest, restlessness, or an ongoing sense of dread. It can cause muscle tension, stomach aches, or difficulty sleeping. For some, anxiety feels like an undercurrent of worry; for others, it’s an overwhelming flood that makes it hard to focus or rest.

Anxiety becomes a concern when it lingers—when the body stays on high alert long after the stressful moment has passed. It might show up as overthinking, irritability, avoidance, or constant self-doubt. You may notice that even on calm days, your mind is scanning for what could go wrong.

Persistent anxiety can quietly shape the way we work, connect, and care for ourselves. It may cause you to over-prepare, avoid certain situations, or feel unable to relax, even when things seem fine. Over time, it can interfere with sleep, relationships, and overall well-being.

Anxiety is not a flaw or weakness—it’s a signal from your nervous system saying, “I don’t feel safe right now.” At Soma House, we approach anxiety with compassion and curiosity, helping you build awareness and tools to respond rather than react.

Our counsellor uses trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to help you understand and work through anxiety at its root. Together, you will explore how your thoughts, body sensations, and past experiences interact so that healing can happen from the inside out.

Your sessions may include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to reprocess distressing memories that keep your nervous system on edge. 
• Cognitive and Solution-Focused strategies to shift unhelpful thought patterns and build resilience. 
• Somatic and Mind-Body techniques to teach your body what safety feels like again. 
• Attachment-based exploration to understand how early relationships shape current responses to stress and connection.
   

Our goal is not to eliminate anxiety entirely—it’s to help you build a new relationship with it, one grounded in awareness, self-trust, and calm.

1. Notice without judgment: When worry appears, try saying, “I’m noticing anxiety.” Naming the feeling can reduce its intensity.
    
2. Ground through the body: Press your feet into the floor, inhale slowly, and exhale longer than you inhale.
    
3. Challenge anxious stories:  Ask yourself, “Is this thought based on facts or fear?” or “What evidence do I have that supports or challenges this worry?”
    
4. Create micro-moments of calm: Step outside, stretch, or connect with a pet—these small actions remind the body it’s safe.

If anxious thoughts are disrupting your focus, relationships, or rest, support is available.
Book a counselling session with Clinical Counsellor, Farnaz Farrokhi-Holmes, RCC, CCC—in-person in Nanaimo or virtually across British Columbia and other eligible provinces.