Leading with Grit & Gratitude

 

Jen Guidry

Will Anxiety Go Away?

anxiety mental health Nov 26, 2024

One of the most common questions people ask is, “Will my anxiety ever go away?” When you’re in the grips of anxiety, it can feel like a constant shadow, a weight you carry daily, making life feel smaller, less vibrant. The good news? Anxiety isn’t a life sentence. With the right tools and understanding, you can take control of it, reduce its impact, and even find lasting peace.

Understanding Anxiety: What Causes It?

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress, a “fight or flight” mechanism designed to keep you safe. But in today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress and unaddressed trauma can keep your nervous system in a constant state of alertness. This ongoing activation leads to generalized anxiety or anxiety disorders that can feel all-consuming.

While it may feel as if anxiety has taken up permanent residence, the reality is that with commitment to healing and nervous system regulation, you can experience significant, lasting change.

Can Anxiety Really Go Away?

The short answer? Yes, anxiety can go away—or at least, its grip on your life can. It’s important to recognize that while anxiety may never vanish entirely, you can reduce its impact so significantly that it becomes a manageable part of life rather than a constant companion. The key lies in understanding that anxiety is a signal from your body, not a permanent condition you’re stuck with.

Steps to Reduce Anxiety and Reclaim Your Peace

  1. Regulate Your Nervous System
    One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is by learning to regulate your nervous system. This involves recognizing how anxiety manifests in your body and using practices like breathwork, grounding, and somatic experiencing to bring your body back into a state of calm. Over time, these practices teach your nervous system to react less intensely to stress.

  2. Address the Root Causes
    Anxiety often has deep roots—past traumas, unresolved emotions, and subconscious beliefs that trigger your stress response. By identifying and working through these underlying causes, you can reduce your body’s tendency to remain in an anxious state. Integrative trauma work and somatic experiencing are powerful approaches to release these roots and create lasting relief.

  3. Rewire Your Mindset with Neuroplasticity
    Just as your mind learned to react to stress, it can learn new, healthier responses. Through neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways—you can train your brain to respond to stress with calm rather than fear. Techniques like mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and visualization help you “retrain” your thoughts and build resilience.

  4. Create a Support System
    Anxiety thrives in isolation. Connecting with others who understand and support your journey can help you feel seen, validated, and safe. Whether it’s a trusted friend, therapist, or a coach trained in somatic experiencing, building a support system is essential for long-term healing.

  5. Develop Daily Habits That Reduce Anxiety
    Incorporate habits like daily movement, journaling, meditation, or simply a few minutes of mindful breathing. Consistency is key. The more you practice these calming routines, the more resilient and calm your nervous system becomes, helping you to feel more grounded, balanced, and in control of your life.

Real Talk: It’s a Journey, Not an Overnight Fix

The journey to reducing anxiety isn’t instant. It requires patience, commitment, and the willingness to go beneath the surface. But with each step, you’ll begin to notice changes—moments of peace that grow longer, an increased ability to handle stress, and eventually, the freedom to live without constant worry.

Will Anxiety Go Away Completely?

For some, anxiety may eventually be a faint memory. For others, it may linger in the background but at a much lower, manageable level. What’s important to know is that with the right tools, you can significantly reduce anxiety’s presence and power in your life. Instead of feeling controlled by it, you’ll have control over it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering, “Will my anxiety go away?” remember that it doesn’t have to stay as it is. By learning to regulate your nervous system, addressing the root causes, and building a life filled with resilience, you’ll find freedom from its grip. You have the power to create a life where peace, confidence, and calm are the norm—not the exception. Ready to take the first step? Reach out, and let’s start building your path to a more peaceful life.