We all experience anxiety. Anxiety is not always a bad thing! It can help to prepare us for challenges and motivate us to persevere in the face of challenges. Many people ask me, “How do I know if I need help for my anxiety or if it’s normal?” My answer to them is simply this: “If the anxiety is very distressing to you, it’s a problem. If the anxiety is impairing your life in some way, maybe social relationships or job performances, then it’s a problem. When the anxiety is not functional for you anymore, meaning it’s not actually preparing you to handle true danger, then it’s a problem.” I would never aim for someone to have no anxiety because not only is that nearly impossible, but that would be harmful to the person. My goal is for one to believe that they can control anxiety and not feel controlled by it.
