Anxiety is a natural and useful response: it prepares the body to face something it perceives as demanding. The problem isn't feeling it, it's when it stays switched on even in the absence of real danger. Many people don't notice right away, because the signs settle in gradually and get attributed to tiredness, personality, or stress.
What anxiety really is
It is a state of nervous system activation that mobilizes the body to react: the heartbeat speeds up, the muscles get ready, attention narrows onto the threat. An ancient and valuable mechanism. It becomes dysfunctional when it activates too often, with too much intensity, or for situations that don't call for it.
The signs to recognize
In the body: persistent muscle tension especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw; rapid heartbeat; short or shallow breathing; a lump in the throat; gastrointestinal issues; difficulty falling asleep.
In the mind: continuous worry that's hard to stop; thoughts that anticipate the worst-case scenario; difficulty concentrating; a sense of permanent alertness; need to control everything.
In behaviors: avoiding situations that trigger the discomfort; procrastination; repeatedly seeking reassurance; compulsive checking; over-preparing.
The most underrated sign is precisely this last group. Anxiety is often recognized more by what you've stopped doing than by what you feel.
A quick orientation test
It doesn't replace an assessment, but it helps bring things into focus. Try answering:
- In the last few weeks, have you often found yourself worrying without being able to stop?
- Have you given up something you wanted to do in order to avoid feeling bad?
- Has your sleep gotten worse?
- Do you have recurring physical symptoms for which your doctor hasn't found organic causes?
- Have people close to you pointed out that you seem more tense or irritable?
Several affirmative answers, lasting for weeks, are a good reason to talk to a professional about it.
When it becomes clinically relevant
The criterion isn't absolute intensity but interference: when anxiety limits daily life, relationships, or work. You don't need to reach a panic attack to consider starting therapy.
If you're not sure how to tell what you're feeling apart from stress, it may help to read the article on the difference between anxiety and stress.
How therapy can help
The work doesn't aim to eliminate anxiety — that would be neither possible nor desirable — but to bring it back to a functional level. We work on the mechanisms that maintain it, primarily avoidance, control, and rumination, we build concrete regulation tools such as Autogenic Training, and we work on the meaning that alarm is signaling.
A journey in Florence or online
I receive clients at my office in Florence, at Via Tommaso Campanella 5, in the Campo di Marte – Coverciano area, and online. You can learn more on the page dedicated toanxiety or contact me for an initial introductory session.
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