Making Meaning

What Does Anxiety Mean to You?

Or, in other words: What do you make your anxiety mean?

We often think of anxiety as something negative, a sign that something in us is broken, or a warning that something bad is on the horizon. But what if anxiety isn't just a signal of something wrong?

Anxiety can be a sign that something is being suppressed—an emotion like fear, anger, sadness, or something else that hasn't been given space to exist. As uncomfortable as anxiety may be, it serves as data. It’s a clue that something inside needs expression or validation. Often, talking to someone can help provide that validation. But what if there’s no one to talk to when anxiety shows up? What then?

Anxiety can either paralyze or energize us, depending on how we cope. We may numb our anxiety with substances, overwork, distractions, intellectualizing, or avoidance. While these coping mechanisms aren't inherently bad (we wouldn't use them if they didn’t offer some relief), they often serve as ways to avoid feelings we don’t know how to handle. And so, anxiety persists.

Returning to my original question: What does anxiety mean to you?

Do you see anxiety as a sign that something is wrong with you, or can you view it as a clue to something deeper?

Your body knows the way. Try listening to the sensations instead of tuning them out. Place your hand on your chest and acknowledge your anxiety: "I see you," "You have permission to be here," "I've got you." You might be surprised by what your anxiety has to say in response.

Treat your anxiety with compassion. Show up for it. BE the one to validate it.

I believe in you.

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