Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can show up in different ways for different people. It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, but when those feelings stick around and start to affect your daily life, it could be a sign of something deeper. In this post, we’ll explore what anxiety is, how to recognize it, and when it’s time to seek support from a holistic therapist in anxiety therapy. We’ll also look at some of the common roots of anxiety, including past traumas, lifestyle factors, and family history.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It’s that uneasy feeling you get before a big event, during a difficult conversation, or when something unexpected happens. While short-term anxiety can help you stay alert or avoid danger, chronic anxiety is different. It’s when those anxious feelings last for a long time, even when there’s no immediate threat. Chronic anxiety can interfere with your ability to focus, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities.

Recognizing Anxiety

Anxiety can look different depending on the person. Here are some common signs of anxiety that might be playing a role in your life:

• Constant worrying, even about things that might not seem significant to others.
• Feeling restless, on edge, or like something bad is about to happen.
• Difficulty concentrating or staying present in the moment.
• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, tightness in the chest, sweating, or dizziness.
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to racing thoughts.
• Avoiding situations, places, or people because they trigger fear or discomfort.

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms regularly, it might be a sign that anxiety is affecting your mental and physical health.

The Role of Past Traumas

Big “T” and Small “t” Traumas (T and t Traumas)

Trauma is often thought of as major life events like a car accident, abuse, or the death of a loved one. These are known as “big T” traumas, and they can leave lasting emotional scars. However, “small t” traumas—such as ongoing criticism, growing up in an unstable home, or being bullied—can also shape how we experience anxiety.

How “Big T” Traumas Contribute to Anxiety

“Big T” traumas are typically life-threatening or deeply distressing events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. These experiences can include natural disasters, assault, war, severe illness, or losing a loved one unexpectedly. These types of trauma can leave the nervous system in a constant state of high alert, triggering anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. Even after the danger has passed, the body may stay locked in “fight or flight” mode, making it hard to relax or feel safe.

How “Small t” Traumas Impact Anxiety

“Small t” traumas may not seem as obvious, but they are just as impactful. These include everyday stressors like being regularly criticized by a parent, growing up with emotionally unavailable caregivers, facing ongoing financial stress, or experiencing a series of minor failures. Over time, these small, repeated wounds can accumulate and lead to chronic anxiety. Unlike “big T” traumas, which tend to be singular and dramatic, “small t” traumas often operate quietly, but their effects can be just as lasting.

Trauma and Chronic Anxiety

Both types of trauma can cause the brain and body to stay stuck in a stress-response cycle, where even neutral situations may feel threatening. Someone who’s experienced trauma may react to minor stressors with extreme anxiety, feel unsafe in situations that are actually secure, or avoid places and people that remind them of past pain. Trauma therapy can help release these emotional patterns and provide tools for coping.

Healing from Trauma-Related Anxiety

Recognizing how past trauma affects your current mental health is the first step toward healing. Therapy can help you process these experiences, release their emotional weight, and develop healthier ways of responding to stress. With time, the nervous system can begin to reset, allowing for more calm and ease in your daily life.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

How Modern Life Fuels Anxiety

Our fast-paced, high-pressure world can make it difficult to escape stress. Lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and too much screen time all contribute to heightened anxiety. If your body isn’t getting the rest and nourishment it needs, it becomes harder to manage feelings of worry or overwhelm.

Environmental Stressors

Your environment can also play a big role in anxiety. Living in a noisy area, dealing with work stress, or facing financial challenges can create ongoing feelings of worry. These stressors might not seem like much on their own, but over time, they add up, leaving you feeling anxious more often than not.

Managing Anxiety Through Lifestyle Changes

Improving your lifestyle can help reduce anxiety. Simple changes, like improving your sleep routine, eating more nutritious meals, and creating quiet time away from screens, can make a big difference. A holistic therapist can guide you in creating a routine that supports your emotional well-being.

The Impact of Genetics and Family History

Inherited Anxiety

Some people are more prone to anxiety due to their family history. If your parents or grandparents experienced anxiety, you might be more sensitive to stress. This doesn’t mean you’re destined to feel anxious all the time, but it does mean you may need more support in managing stressors.

Family Patterns and Anxiety

In addition to genetics, growing up in a family where anxiety was common can shape how you respond to stress. If you see family members worrying constantly, it’s easy to adopt similar habits. These learned behaviors can be difficult to break, but they aren’t impossible to overcome.

Breaking the Cycle

Therapy can help you recognize these family patterns and learn new ways to respond to stress. With the right support, you can build resilience and break free from inherited patterns of anxiety.

When to Seek Support With Anxiety Therapy

It’s important to know when anxiety has reached a point where you might benefit from help. If your anxiety is affecting your relationships, work, or daily routines, it might be time to talk to someone. A holistic anxiety therapist can help you understand the root causes of your anxiety and guide you through strategies to manage it.

If you feel like your anxious thoughts are controlling your life or making it hard to enjoy things, seeking support can provide relief. Holistic therapy addresses not just the mind, but also the body and emotions, helping you find balance on all levels.

Finding Balance and Support

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but understanding its roots can help you find a path toward healing. Whether your anxiety stems from trauma, daily stress, or family history, you don’t have to face it alone. By seeking support, you can learn healthier ways to cope and bring balance back into your life. Marilyn Ashley, LMFT, is here to guide you through this journey and help you find peace amidst the stress. Reach out for support and take the first step toward a calmer, more grounded you.

Cope With Your Symptoms With The Help of Holistic Anxiety Therapy in Manhattan Beach, CA

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and looking for a holistic approach that addresses both your mind and body, we’re here at Marilyn Ashley, LMFT to help. Our compassionate, integrative anxiety therapy can guide you toward healing, using personalized techniques that honor your unique journey. Take the first step toward lasting relief by following these three simple steps:

• Schedule Your 20-Minute Complimentary Phone Consultation
• Learn More About Me and My Services
• Begin healing from your anxiety!

Other Services Offered By Marilyn Ashley, LMFT

At my Hermosa Beach, CA practice, holistic Anxiety Therapy is just one of the services I offer to help you find balance and cope with your anxiety symptoms. In addition to helping you cope with anxiety, I specialize in Life Transitions, Trauma, and Couples Therapy. At my Hermosa Beach, CA Practice, I work with adult clients from Manhattan Beach, Redondo, Beach El Segundo, and the rest of the South Bay area, and we work toward embracing your anxiety and using it as a tool for growth. I also offer online therapy sessions for those located anywhere else in California. By incorporating holistic practices into your daily life, you can support your overall well-being. I’m excited to work with you on your journey towards healing and growth. Together, let’s embrace your anxiety and learn how to thrive, not just survive! Check out my blog for more about holistic healing!