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. When we face uncertainty, pressure, or potential danger, the nervous system activates to protect us. However, when that alarm continues to ring even when no real danger is present, anxiety can begin to affect daily life.

At Soma House Counselling & Wellness, Farnaz, RCC, CCC, helps people understand the roots of their anxiety and learn how to calm the nervous system so that life begins to feel steadier, clearer, and more manageable.

Anxiety lives in both the mind and the body.

It may appear as racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or an ongoing sense of dread. Physically, anxiety can show up as muscle tension, stomach discomfort, headaches, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping.

For some people, anxiety feels like a quiet undercurrent of worry that never fully turns off. For others, it can feel overwhelming—like a flood of thoughts and sensations that make it difficult to focus, relax, or feel present.

Anxiety becomes more concerning when the nervous system remains on high alert long after the stressful moment has passed. You may notice patterns such as:

• Overthinking and constant worry 
• Irritability or emotional exhaustion 
• Avoiding situations that feel uncertain 
• Persistent self-doubt or perfectionism 
• Feeling unable to relax even during calm moments
   

Even when life appears stable on the outside, the mind may continue scanning for what could go wrong.

Anxiety does not look the same for everyone. People may experience different forms of anxiety depending on their life experiences, stress levels, and nervous system responses.

Some common forms of anxiety include:

• Generalized Anxiety
  Persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations such as work, family, health, or responsibilities.

• High-Functioning Anxiety
  Appearing capable, productive, and organized on the outside while internally experiencing constant pressure, overthinking, and difficulty relaxing.

• Social Anxiety
  Fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations.

• Panic Symptoms
  Sudden waves of intense fear accompanied by physical sensations such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness.

• Health Anxiety
  Persistent concern about physical symptoms or fear of serious illness despite reassurance.

• Performance or Work Anxiety
  Pressure related to achievement, productivity, or fear of making mistakes.

While these experiences may look different, they often share a common root: a nervous system that has learned to remain on high alert.

Persistent anxiety can quietly shape how we think, work, and connect with others.

You may notice yourself over-preparing, avoiding certain situations, or feeling unable to rest even when things appear calm. Over time, anxiety can impact sleep, relationships, focus, and overall well-being.

It is important to remember that anxiety is not a personal flaw or weakness.

From a nervous system perspective, anxiety is often a signal that the body does not currently feel safe. When we approach anxiety with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment, we create space for healing and change.

Farnaz, RCC, CCC, uses trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to help you understand and work through anxiety at its root. Together, you will explore how thoughts, body sensations, life experiences, and relationships interact so that healing can occur 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.
   

The goal is not to eliminate anxiety entirely. Instead, therapy helps you develop a new relationship with anxiety—one grounded in awareness, self-trust, and regulation. 

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.