Understanding Anxiety in a Fast-Paced World: Why We Feel Overwhelmed

“Compassionate therapy for a calmer, stronger you.”

By Nakita Jangra - Psychotherapist

nakitacounselling.com

Introduction

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns today, affecting people across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Yet, despite its prevalence, it is often misunderstood. Anxiety is not simply “nerves” or “stress.” Clinically, it involves a persistent activation of the body’s stress response, which, over time, can overwhelm both the mind and body.

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, anxiety has become almost normalised, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. Let’s take a closer look at why so many people feel overwhelmed, what anxiety really is, and how therapy can help restore balance.

Why Anxiety Feels So Overwhelming Today

• Information Overload: Constant notifications, endless emails, and social media updates keep our brains in a state of high alert.

• Uncertainty & Change: Political, economic, and personal uncertainties increase our sense of vulnerability.

• Pressure to Perform: In both work and life, many individuals feel compelled to be productive at all times, leading to chronic self-criticism.

• Disrupted Rest Cycles: Poor sleep, excessive caffeine consumption, and late-night screen use can amplify the nervous system’s reactivity.

Clinically, these factors contribute to a heightened stress response, where cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated long after the stressor has passed.

How Anxiety Shows Up Differently in Men and Women

While anxiety disorders affect both men and women, the symptoms can present differently:

• Women often report excessive worry, restlessness, sleep difficulties, and physical symptoms such as stomach discomfort or muscle tension.

• Men may be more likely to display irritability, avoidance behaviours, or risk-taking as ways of coping with internal anxiety.

These gendered differences sometimes lead to underdiagnosis or misinterpretation, particularly in men.

The Cost of Untreated Anxiety

Left untreated, anxiety can gradually impact multiple aspects of life:

• Reduced concentration and productivity

• Strained relationships due to irritability or withdrawal

• Heightened risk of depression and burnout

• Physical health issues, including heart disease, chronic fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems

Anxiety is not “just in your head” — it has real effects on both mental and physical wellbeing.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to understand and manage anxiety. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed therapy help clients:

• Identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns

• Develop healthier coping strategies

• Reconnect with a sense of calm and safety

• Learn practical techniques to regulate stress in daily life

Most importantly, therapy helps people see that anxiety does not define them — it’s a condition that can be managed and improved.

The Takeaway

Anxiety is not a weakness. It’s your body’s way of saying, “I need support.” With the right help, you can regain balance, clarity, and calm — even in a demanding, fast-paced world.

Let’s Begin the Journey

If you’re struggling with anxiety and would like a safe space to explore your experiences, I’d be honoured to support you. Reach out today: nakitajangra@gmail.com Together, we can begin the journey toward healing and resilience.