Is your anxiety trying to help you?

According to Counselling Directory, anxiety tops the list of reasons people reach out to therapists. While anxiety often feels uncomfortable, it can be enlightening to flip the script and ask: Is my anxiety trying to tell me something or help me in some way?

Navigating the unknown

Life is full of uncertainties, especially during times of change. As humans, we crave psychological safety through predictability and patterns. When this stability is disrupted, our minds and bodies may sound the alarm with anxiety. Everyone has their own tolerance for uncertainty based on a variety of factors and there’s no right or wrong level.

Anxiety might be nudging you to pause, reflect, and acknowledge that something has changed or feels unfamiliar. Sit with these feelings and listen to your body’s wisdom. It’s a natural, human response to feel discomfort in the face of uncertainty - and maybe nothing more.

Confusing ‘worry’ with ‘problem solving’

You’ve likely heard of the ‘fight or flight’ response, our natural survival mechanism that kicks in when something feels off. While taking action can give us a sense of control, it’s easy to mix up ‘worrying’ with ‘problem-solving’. When this happens, your anxiety tries to help by tricking your brain into thinking you’re ‘doing something about it’ by constantly worrying, but the problem remains unsolved. Take a moment to examine your anxiety patterns - are you seeking solutions, or just spiralling into worry? If it’s the latter, you might be confusing worry with problem-solving.

Catastrophising

Catastrophising is all about imagining the worst possible outcomes over and over again. But how could this be helpful? One theory suggests it’s a form of protection, psychologically prepping you for potential future scenarios. While this type of anxiety aims to get you primed and ready, it can also blind you to other, more positive possibilities. Simply recognising this protective mechanism is the first step to reducing it. For every negative outcome you envision, try to think of a more positive alternative, acknowledging that you have options. A trusted friend or therapist can be invaluable here in helping you see both sides of the coin.

Avoiding your emotional world

Anxiety might also be your mind’s way of distracting you from deeper, underlying emotions. Some theories suggest we ‘split off’ parts of ourselves that are hard to acknowledge, with the brain finding creative ways to minimise these aspects so we can function day to day. Anxiety can serve as our main focal point, helping us avoid deeper emotional turmoil. A professional therapist can help you safely explore these hidden parts of yourself in a safe, ethical manner.

The takeaway

Anxiety is often seen as a growing issue in modern life and is usually discussed in negative terms. While anxiety can become disordered or pathological, it’s often a natural human response - our body’s way of communicating something to us about our current situation. Although it may sound counterintuitive, try to think of anxiety as a trusted friend. Next time you feel anxious, ask yourself - what is my friend trying to tell me? If you’re unsure, seek advice from a professional.