A Therapist’s Guide to Understanding Chronic Worry, Overthinking & Feeling “On Edge”
Chronic Anxiety Therapy:
Why You Feel this Way and How Healing Begins
Dear reader,
How are you doing?
I see you because I am you.
If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling and wishing you could just relax, chronic anxiety therapy may offer relief. You’re not alone – and support is possible. I’m back again, ready to talk about navigating the complexities of chronic anxiety. The path to finding peace can feel daunting. As a mental health professional and a person who has experienced life, I understand the courage it takes to embark on this journey, and I’m committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Anxiety can be a quiet hum in the background or a blaring siren, making its presence known through racing thoughts, a clenched jaw, knots in your stomach, or that nagging feeling that something is just wrong—even when everything seems “fine.” Perhaps you’ve often asked yourself: Why am I like this? Why can’t I turn it off?
Let’s explore this together with compassion and clarity.
Anxiety Isn’t Just “In Your Head” – It’s in Your Nervous System
Your body’s alarm system—anxiety—is designed to protect you, to keep you safe. However, sometimes that alarm gets stuck in the “on” position, especially if your nervous system has been overworked by chronic stress, past trauma, or a prolonged period of operating in survival mode.
Over time, your brain learns to anticipate threats, whether it’s a difficult conversation, a traffic jam, or even just checking your email. When anxiety becomes a habit, it can feel like you’re constantly bracing for impact, perpetually “on edge.”
Why Childhood Anxiety Becomes a Pattern
Here are some common reasons anxiety might show up on repeat, echoing familiar patterns:
- Childhood environments where emotions were minimized or invalidated.
- Being praised only for achievement or perfection, creating a constant pressure to perform.
- Experiencing trauma, both the big “T” (like a significant event) and the small “t” (like ongoing stressful situations).
- Constant people-pleasing or a deep fear of disappointing others.
- Life transitions, burnout, or decision fatigue, which can overwhelm your system.
- Never learning how to self-soothe or truly feel safe in moments of stillness.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These are patterns we often explore in therapy for anxiety.
Chronic Anxiety and Nervous System Dysregulation
When your nervous system is dysregulated, you might find yourself:
- Overthinking every single decision, big or small.
- Feeling restless or irritable without a clear reason.
- Constantly seeking control in an attempt to feel safe.
- Fearing making mistakes, even minor ones.
- Feeling guilty for resting, believing you always need to be productive.
These responses aren’t flaws. They’re adaptive patterns your body learned to survive. The truth is, now that you’re safe, those patterns may no longer be serving you.
How Therapy Helps Heal Anxiety at the Root
Therapy for chronic anxiety offers a vital space where you don’t have to perform, please, or pretend. You just get to be. It can help you:
- Understand the deep roots of your anxiety, shedding light on its origins.
- Rewire anxious thought patterns through techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Reconnect with your body and release stored tension through somatic work.
- Practice mindfulness and nervous system regulation, bringing a sense of calm.
- Learn to feel safe being still—and truly safe being yourself.
Most importantly, therapy offers a space where you don’t have to perform, please, or pretend. You just get to be.
You’re Not Broken—You’re Overwhelmed
There’s nothing inherently wrong with you. You’re simply carrying too much on your own.
If you’re tired of managing your anxiety with endless distraction, a relentless pursuit of perfectionism, or by constantly pushing through, therapy might be your next courageous step. Together, we can gently quiet the chaos, get curious about your triggers, and begin healing the roots of your anxiety—not just treating the symptoms.
You deserve a peace that isn’t performative. You deserve to feel safe and at ease within your own mind. And it all begins with one brave step.
With love and support,
Tammy | Empowering Optimism Therapy
