Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, especially during periods of pressure or uncertainty. In small amounts they can be useful, but when they build up, they can start to feel difficult to manage.

This response is driven by the body’s stress system. Hormones like Cortisol increase alertness, while the Amygdala scans for potential threats. When this system becomes overactive, it can create a cycle where anxious thoughts trigger physical symptoms, and those symptoms then reinforce more anxiety.

You might notice this as racing thoughts, poor sleep, irritability, or feeling constantly on edge. Over time, it’s easy to become stuck in patterns of overthinking or anticipating worst-case scenarios.