Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural and common response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It’s part of the body’s built-in alarm system — often called the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. A little anxiety before a big event is completely normal. But when those feelings become constant, overwhelming, or start to interfere with everyday life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions — and the good news is, they are highly treatable with the right tools, support, and care.

Anxiety can show up in many different ways. Some symptoms are internal and might not be visible to others. These can include:

• Racing thoughts or excessive worry
• Feeling tense, restless, or easily overwhelmed
• Trouble concentrating or staying focused
• Difficulty sleeping or feeling tired all the time
• Physical symptoms like chest tightness, nausea, headaches, or stomach issues
   

While some signs of anxiety are felt inside, others may be more noticeable from the outside. These outward signs can include:

• Avoiding certain people, places, or situations 
• Fidgeting, pacing, or appearing nervous
• Seeking frequent reassurance or asking repeated questions
• Irritability or emotional outbursts
• Seeming withdrawn or shut down
• Trouble making decisions or following through on tasks
   

Some people experiencing anxiety might appear calm and collected on the outside, while others visibly struggle. Neither is more or less valid — anxiety is a real experience, no matter how it shows up.

At Evergreen Hope, we’re here to walk alongside you as you explore what anxiety means for you or your child. With a compassionate, evidence-based approach, we offer therapy that helps reduce symptoms and restore confidence and peace.

You’re not alone — and healing is possible.