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Is It Just Stress or Is It Anxiety? How to Know When It’s Time to Get Help


Young woman sitting on a couch at home looking overwhelmed, reflecting the emotional weight of anxiety

By Dr. Nathan Fite

BS, Cincinnati Christian University · M.Ed, University of Cincinnati · Ph.D in School Psychology, University of Cincinnati


When Worry Becomes a Wall: How to Know If You Need Support


You’ve probably asked yourself, “Is this just stress or is something actually wrong with me?”


Maybe your heart races before a phone call. Your mind spirals at night over something small you said at work. You’ve learned to hide it well, but inside, it feels like your brain just won’t shut off. You’re stuck in a loop of “what-ifs,” exhausted from pretending you’re okay, and it’s wearing you down.


You’re not alone.


And more importantly, you’re not broken. We see you. And if you’re wondering whether what you’re feeling is normal or if it’s time to get help, this guide will walk you through it.


You're Not Imagining It: Anxiety Is On the Rise


Before we dive further into symptoms, let’s take a breath: anxiety is one of the most common mental health struggles in the U.S.


  • 1 in 5 adults experience an anxiety disorder each year (NIMH)

  • Anxiety symptoms have been steadily rising since 2019 (CDC)

  • 3 in 4 adults now say the future of the country is a major source of stress (APA)


So no, you’re not overreacting. Our world has become a pressure cooker, and your nervous system is doing its best to adapt.


When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder: 3 Signs to Watch For


Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But when anxiety starts to control your life, it may be time to get help.


Here are three red flags we use in therapy to tell the difference:


  1. Avoiding things that matter: You start skipping work, school, social events, or basic tasks because of fear or panic.

  2. Body alarms out of context: Your body reacts like it’s in danger, even when you’re safe (racing heart, shaking, nausea, etc.).

  3. Persistent distress: The anxiety lingers long after the stressor is gone, or it shows up without any clear trigger at all.


You’re Not Weak, Your Brain Is Trying to Protect You


Anxiety isn’t your fault. It’s your brain trying to help, just in a way that has become too loud.


Diagram showing how the brain processes anxiety, from emotional triggers to amygdala activation and fight-or-flight response

Whether it's fear of judgment, health anxiety, or panic over being out of control, these reactions often come from a place of survival.


And guess what? These triggers are extremely common:


  • Health fears or body symptoms

  • Fear of rejection or being a burden

  • Perfectionism

  • Contamination fears

  • Family or relational conflict

  • Financial pressure

  • Digital overwhelm


Your nervous system is constantly scanning for danger, especially if you’ve experienced trauma, chronic stress, or instability in the past.


You’re not weak. You’re human.


How Therapy Helps: It's Not Just "Talking About It"


Therapy for anxiety isn’t just about talking, it’s about changing your relationship with emotions that trigger anxiety.


At The Anxiety Center, our licensed clinicians use evidence-based techniques tailored to your needs:


  • CBT & Exposure Therapy: To help you face your fears gradually and safely

  • Distress Tolerance Tools: Like TIPP and grounding exercises for calming the body

  • Restructuring Unhelpful Thoughts: So you can stop spiraling

  • Family & Relationship Coaching: Especially for those facing school refusal, OCD, or childhood anxiety


We also offer support for those already on disability, navigating Medicaid, or coming from underserved communities.


Here’s what that can look like in real life:

“One of our clients went from avoiding public places out of fear of vomiting to comfortably grabbing a meal from a busy Taco Bell cart. A clear reminder that exposure therapy can restore freedom in everyday life.”

Whether you’re 20 or 50, whether you live in Cincinnati, Dayton, or just outside Indianapolis, you deserve a life that feels manageable again.


Curious How We Actually Treat Anxiety at TAC?


Wondering what therapy would really look like if you worked with us? In this next article, we walk you through our full treatment approach, so you know exactly what to expect.



You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to keep wondering if you’re "bad enough" to get help. If anxiety is making life harder than it needs to be, that’s enough.


Let’s figure this out, together.


The Anxiety Center

Healing that meets you where you are and walks with you to where you want to go.



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