Anxiety, Depression & the Stories Our Bodies Tell 

Anxiety, Depression & the Stories Our Bodies Tell

We all experience anxiety at times—it’s part of being human. In many ways, it’s a natural response; our body’s way of alerting us when something doesn’t feel quite right. That internal signal, often called the fight-or-flight response, is designed to protect us. It helps us stay focused, respond to threats, or take action when we’re under pressure—like before an exam, a difficult conversation, or a job interview.

But for some of us, that inner alarm system doesn’t switch off when the threat is gone. It stays on high alert, even in everyday situations where we’re safe. Suddenly, simple things—going to the shops, replying to a message, making a decision—can feel overwhelming. You might notice yourself constantly bracing for something to go wrong, even when there’s no clear danger.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety can become deeply wired into our system, especially if we’ve learned early on that the world isn’t always safe. It’s as though the body is trying to overprotect us—often based on past experiences that have shaped how we respond to life in the present.

In my work at Counselling with Equipoise, I help people gently explore what sits beneath that anxious energy. Together, we can begin to understand why your internal alarm is more active than it needs to be—and what it’s trying to protect you from. Often, when we meet that part of ourselves with curiosity rather than judgment, real change begins.

When the Light Feels Hard to Find

Just like anxiety, feelings of sadness or emptiness are part of being human too. But when those heavy feelings linger—when you wake up each day with a sense of flatness, or feel like you’re moving through life in a fog—it might be something more. Depression isn’t just a low mood. It can affect your body, your thoughts, your energy, and your ability to feel joy or connection. 

You might notice you’re sleeping more (or less), withdrawing from things you used to enjoy, or feeling like everything takes enormous effort. It’s not “just in your head.” Depression shows up physically, emotionally, and cognitively—these aspects of ourselves are deeply connected. One affects the others in ways that can be hard to untangle. 

For example, feeling sad or hopeless can make it harder to get out of bed. Staying in bed leads to physical lethargy, which increases emotional heaviness—and the cycle continues. 

But cycles can be broken. 

Counselling for depression offers a space to understand this pattern, rather than be consumed by it. Together, we explore the root causes, not just the surface symptoms. We work with compassion, at your pace, to move through the fog and into something lighter, more spacious, more you. 

You’re Not Alone in This

Whether you’re living with anxiety, depression, or both—it’s not a reflection of weakness. It’s a reflection of your story, your experiences, and often, your incredible ability to adapt and survive. Healing begins with awareness, and continues with support, safety, and the space to be seen without judgment. 

If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here to walk beside you.