Anxiety and Panic

Anxiety and panic are among the most common reasons people seek psychology support, yet the experience can feel deeply personal, isolating, and really hard to explain. 

Anxiety isn’t just worrying. It can show up as racing thoughts, constant overthinking, physical tension, restlessness, perfectionism, over-control, avoidance, or a constant sense that something is about to go wrong. 

Panic can feel even more intense: sudden waves of fear, breathlessness, dizziness, chest tightness, or feeling like you’re losing control. These experiences can seem to come “out of nowhere,” and the people I see often feel pressure to appear calm and capable on the outside.

Anxiety and panic are often the nervous system doing its best to protect you, even when it becomes overactive or stuck in high alert. These responses can be shaped by past experiences, chronic stress, trauma, or the emotional demands of caregiving and high responsibility. Other times, there might not be obvious reasons why. 

How Anxiety and Panic Can Show Up

Anxiety

  • Constant worry, rumination, or overthinking

  • Feeling on edge, tense, or unable to relax

  • Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating

  • Perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fear of making mistakes

  • Avoidance of situations, decisions, or conflict

  • Irritability, emotional overwhelm, or shutdown

  • Trouble sleeping or feeling mentally “wired”

  • Physical tension, headaches, jaw clenching, or stomach discomfort

  • A sense of dread, pressure, or needing to stay in control

Panic

  • Sudden surges of intense fear or distress

  • Shortness of breath or feeling unable to get a full breath

  • Rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, or heart palpitations

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint

  • Sweating, shaking, or trembling

  • Feeling detached from your body or surroundings (derealisation/depersonalisation)

  • A fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying

  • A strong urge to escape or get to safety

How We Can Work Together

Therapy can help you understand what your anxiety is trying to tell you, build skills to manage intense sensations, and develop a kinder, more trusting relationship with your mind and body.

Depending on your needs, we may use a range of approaches, including:

  • Understanding what your emotions are trying to communicate to you.

  • Understanding how past experiences, workplaces, culture, and societal expectations may be may be influencing present anxiety.

  • Learning to make space for anxious thoughts and feelings

  • Learning how to unhook from and challenge unhelpful thinking styles. 

  • Supporting regulation through body-based techniques, grounding, and breathwork to increase your sense of safety in your body.

  • Softening harsh self-criticism, building self-kindness, and easing shame that often accompanies anxiety.

Looking for an Online Psychologist for Anxiety and Panic?

If anxiety or panic is getting in the way of how you want to live, you’re not alone. 

You are welcome to start with a free 15-minute consult call to see if we’re a good fit. 

If you’d like more information first, you can ask a question or browse the FAQs.