Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Takes Hold

Amanda Baker
Nov 11
3 min read

By Amanda Baker | Psychotherapist & Counsellor - Anxiety counselling Nambour

Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling – Sankofa House, Nambour QLD

Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of being human. We all experience moments of worry — before an exam, a big meeting, or a difficult conversation. But when anxiety starts to take up more space in your daily life, leaving you feeling tense, restless, or unable to switch off, it may be a sign that your mind and body are calling for care and understanding.

anxiety counselling, nambour, sunshine coast,

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to perceived threat or uncertainty. It’s that uneasy sense of “what if something goes wrong?” that can lead to racing thoughts, muscle tension, or a fluttering heart.

While fear is about a real and immediate danger, anxiety focuses on anticipated or imagined threats. Sometimes, anxiety can even arise without a clear reason — which can feel confusing and overwhelming.

But it's important to understand it's our brain and body trying to keep us safe.

Anxiety often shows up in both the body and the mind:

Physically: tight chest, sweating, trembling, nausea, or a racing heart
Emotionally: tension, irritability, restlessness, or a sense of dread
Cognitively: spiralling thoughts like “what if something bad happens?”
Behaviourally: avoiding situations that feel uncomfortable or risky

Why Does Anxiety Happen?

There isn’t one single cause. Anxiety can stem from a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. For some, it’s linked to past experiences of trauma or loss of control; for others, it may be influenced by personality traits, chronic stress, or family patterns.

Even small triggers — like caffeine, crowded places, or social pressures — can activate the body’s stress response if your nervous system is already on high alert.

If you’ve been wondering whether therapy might help, know that anxiety is highly treatable — and you don’t have to face it alone.

Common Types of Anxiety

There are several recognised anxiety disorders, including:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): persistent, excessive worry about everyday life
Social Anxiety: fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations
Panic Disorder: sudden, intense panic attacks that feel overwhelming
Specific Phobias: strong fears related to particular objects or situations (e.g. flying, spiders)
Agoraphobia: fear of leaving home or being in open/public spaces
Separation Anxiety (in children and adults): distress about being away from loved ones

While diagnostic categories can be helpful, what matters most in counselling is understanding how anxiety shows up for you — in your body, thoughts, and relationships.

How Counselling Can Help

Therapy provides a safe, compassionate space to explore the underlying causes of anxiety and learn practical strategies to manage it.

At Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling in Nambour, I work with individuals and couples to help reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience.

Different approaches can be helpful depending on your unique needs:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced perspectives.
Somatic and relaxation-based approaches: breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation help calm the body’s stress response.
Psychodynamic therapy: explores how past experiences may influence current worries and emotional responses.
Narrative approaches: externalise anxiety (“the anxiety is the problem, not you”) and focus on strengths and moments of calm and courage.

Through therapy, you can move from avoidance and self-criticism toward understanding, acceptance, and greater emotional freedom — regaining a sense of calm and control in daily life.

Everyday Strategies to Support Yourself

Alongside therapy, small everyday steps can make a meaningful difference:

Practise slow, deep breathing to help your nervous system settle.
Try mindfulness or grounding techniques to bring yourself back to the present moment.
Move your body regularly — gentle exercise releases tension and supports mood.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol, which can heighten anxiety.
Reach out to supportive friends, family, or a counsellor — connection is a powerful antidote to anxiety.

If anxiety is affecting your life, it might be time to reach out for professional support. Therapy can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and guide you toward feeling calmer, more capable, and connected again.