Understanding Anxiety: Why it shows up and how to work with it
By Reetta Makinen — InPeace Psychotherapy & Counselling
Anxiety has a purpose - even when it feels overwhelming. Here’s how to understand what it’s trying to tell you and how to work with it more gently.
The truth is, anxiety isn’t a personal flaw or a sign of weakness. It’s a human response, rooted in how our bodies and brains are designed to protect us.
In this article, we’ll explore what anxiety really is, why it shows up and how you can begin to work with it in a compassionate, practical way. If you’re currently considering seeing a therapist for anxiety in Byron Bay, this may help you make sense of what you’re experiencing.
What anxiety really is
Anxiety is a biological protection system - your body’s way of scanning for danger, predicting possible threats and mobilising you to stay safe.
It becomes difficult when this system gets:
overactive
sensitive
stuck in “alert mode”
triggered by things that aren’t actually dangerous
This is something I see often in people seeking therapy for anxiety in Byron Bay, not a character flaw, but a nervous system working overtime.
How anxiety shows up
Anxiety can show up in the body through sensations like a racing heart, tight chest, disrupted sleep or digestive discomfort. It also affects the mind, often leading to overthinking, worry about the future, difficulty concentrating or feeling on edge. Behaviourally, anxiety may appear as avoidance, seeking reassurance, trying to control things, or using numbing or distraction to cope. These experiences are extremely common amongst people who come to psychotherapy in Byron Bay looking for support.
Why anxiety shows up
There’s always a reason, even when it doesn’t feel obvious. Common triggers include:
Stress and overwhelm
Uncertainty
Unprocessed emotions
Past experiences
Disconnection from values
Four practical tools you can start today:
1. Name it.
Label the emotion by saying, “I’m noticing anxiety.” This helps shift you out of overwhelm and into a calmer, more observing state.
2. Slow your breath.
Take slow, steady breaths with longer exhales - for example, inhale for four seconds and exhale for six. This signals safety to your nervous system and reduces physical symptoms.
3. Ground yourself.
Bring your attention to the present moment by noticing your surroundings, feeling your feet on the ground or connecting with sensations in your body. This interrupts spiralling thoughts and helps you feel steadier.
4. Ask what anxiety might be pointing to.
Instead of fighting the feeling, gently ask: “What is this trying to tell me?” Anxiety often highlights a need, boundary or emotion that wants attention.
These are the same strategies I share with people beginning therapy for anxiety in Byron Bay.
How therapy helps - you don’t have to navigate anxiety alone
If anxiety has been affecting your relationships, your sleep, your sense of calm or your ability to enjoy life, support is available. Therapy offers a safe, calm space to understand what your anxiety is trying to communicate, and how to respond to it differently. Therapy offers a place where your worries are understood, not judged - and where you can learn tools that genuinely help you feel more grounded, confident and calm.
