Anxiety is something everyone feels from time to time and it is a natural part of being a human. In fact, anxiety can even help motivate us in positive ways (think about anxiety to not pass a test making you study for the test instead of blowing off any studying). But when it starts to interfere with your ability to enjoy life, connect with others, or feel at ease in your own body consistently, it may be a sign that you need more support. Many women and teen girls struggle quietly with anxiety, not realizing just how much it’s affecting their daily life.
Here are five common signs to pay attention to—and how therapy could help you feel more grounded and supported.
1. Your Mind Doesn’t Take a Break
If you notice your thoughts racing from one worry to the next, or if you feel like you can’t “shut off” your brain, anxiety might be the reason. For teen girls, this often shows up as constant worry about school, friendships, or the future. For women, it might sound like replaying conversations, overthinking responsibilities, or feeling like you have to get everything just right. It can also be racing thoughts about something bad happening, fearing for your safety or the safety of your loved ones. Health anxiety, for instance, is a constant worry that you or someone you love is going to get sick (or already is sick) with something terminal or life changing. The fears can also be related to trust- fear that someone you love with leave you or is being dishonest with you.
2. Your Body Feels the Stress
Anxiety doesn’t only affect your thoughts—it can live in your body too. Headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, or feeling restless are all ways your body might be signaling stress. Many people see doctors for physical symptoms without realizing anxiety could be part of the picture. Many of my clients came to me after their doctor referred them once they ruled all out all possible medical conditions contributing to their physical pain. Chronic nausea, dizziness or pain in various parts of your body can all be signs of an anxiety disorder that has gone untreated for too long.
3. You Start Avoiding Things You Care About
When anxiety gets in the way, you may start saying no to things you’d normally enjoy. Skipping social events, putting off schoolwork, or avoiding responsibilities or social gatherings can feel like temporary relief, but over time, avoidance makes life feel even smaller and lonelier.
4. It’s Hard to Focus
Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate, stay organized, or complete tasks. Your mind may feel pulled in a hundred directions at once. Teens might notice this when homework feels overwhelming, and women often feel it at work or home or while juggling family demands. In fact, many of my clients wondered if they had ADHD, until their anxiety disorder was resolved and this symptom disappeared.
5. You Feel Restless or On Edge
Living with anxiety often feels like being “on alert” all the time. This can look like irritability, difficulty relaxing, or feeling worn out by the end of the day. It’s exhausting to feel like you’re always bracing for something to go wrong. Additionally, your brain releases cortisol and adrenaline when it is in an anxious state, these chemicals over time can overwhelm your immune system and energy supply.
How Therapy Can Help to Reduce Anxiety
The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable—and you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy can give you tools to calm your mind, soothe your body, and feel more in control of your day-to-day life.
At North Shore Professional Therapy, I specialize in anxiety therapy for women and teen anxiety counseling in Massachusetts. Together, we’ll work on:
-Understanding your patterns of worry and seeking to address the root cause (i.e. past trauma, a thought feedback loop, low blood sugar etc)
-Learning strategies (cognitive and somatic) to manage anxious thoughts so you can do the things you want to do
-Building coping skills for stressful moments so they don’t overwhelm you
-Strengthening self-compassion and resilience to the bumps in the road of life
-Treating any past trauma so it doesn’t continue to put you into fight or flight out of the blue
-Much more!
I offer in-person anxiety therapy in Topsfield as well as virtual sessions throughout Massachusetts, so support is available in the way that works best for you.
🌿 If you or your teen are noticing these signs, it may be time to reach out. You don’t have to live with constant worry or overwhelm—therapy can help you feel more present, connected, and at ease.
📍 Providing anxiety therapy in Topsfield for women and teen girls, and virtual counseling throughout Massachusetts.