Anxiety

Anxiety… That Silent Visitor

Understanding Anxiety and When to Seek Help About the anxiety we remain silent about for so long, and that we finally need to understand. We live in a fast-paced world, where events change at a speed that doesn’t give us enough time to catch our breath. Amidst all this, anxiety appears… sometimes quietly, other times as an internal noise that isn’t heard but still exhausts us. Anxiety is not always an enemy. It is a natural human emotion that arises when we face danger, a challenge, or even just an unclear future idea. It is part of our psychological defense mechanism. However, when it overstays, transforming from a fleeting feeling into a constant state, the situation becomes more complicated. So, how do we differentiate between “normal” anxiety and anxiety that requires understanding and perhaps help? And when is listening—rather than diagnosing—all we need to feel a bit of calm?

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What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of tension, anticipation, or fear about something upcoming or unknown. It may manifest as intrusive thoughts, physical tension, difficulty sleeping, or constant mental preoccupation with worst-case scenarios. We might feel it before an exam, an interview, a social situation, or in moments when we don’t know what lies ahead. In these cases, anxiety is logical and temporary. The problem arises when it becomes repetitive, prolonged, and starts affecting our quality of life.  

If you’d like to explore more scientific details on anxiety, visit this guide by the National Institute of Mental Health.

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The Anxiety We Don’t Talk About

Sometimes, anxiety doesn’t show on the surface. We go to work, smile, reply to messages, and complete our tasks… but deep inside, we feel a weight we can’t explain. We start questioning:

• “Is this normal?”
• “Am I exaggerating?”
• “Do I need help?”

Here, it becomes important to listen to ourselves honestly and recognize the signs that indicate anxiety may be more than just a passing state.

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When Does Anxiety Become a Signal That We Need Support?

There are signs we shouldn’t ignore. If you’ve been experiencing one or more of these signs for a long time, it might be time to seek a safe space to talk:

• Persistent tension without a clear cause.
• Repetitive and negative thoughts you can’t stop.
• Difficulty sleeping or interrupted sleep due to overthinking.
• Feeling exhausted without physical exertion.
• Social withdrawal or loss of interest in things you once loved.
• Physical symptoms like chronic headaches or digestive issues without a medical cause.
• Panic attacks or sudden feelings of fear accompanied by difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty concentrating and frequent forgetfulness.
• Constant negative self-assessment: “I’m a failure,” “It’s hopeless,” “People are better than me.”

These signs don’t mean you’re “sick,” but they could be a call to pause, reflect, and perhaps talk to someone who can listen without judgment.

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Does Everyone Who Feels Anxiety Need to See a Psychologist?

Not necessarily. There’s a wide space between transient anxiety and the need for specialized psychological intervention. Often, being listened to and receiving emotional support from a supportive person is enough to ease tension. This is where non-specialized psychological support comes in, like what we offer at “Sofa.” “Sofa” is not a clinic, nor is it a substitute for psychological therapy. It’s a human, open, and safe space. Here, we don’t judge, diagnose, or provide ready-made solutions. We simply listen to you sincerely and attentively.

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When Should I Seek Help from a Mental Health Professional?

In some cases, talking to a friend or volunteer isn’t enough, and specialized treatment becomes necessary. Here are some signs indicating that:

• If you repeatedly think about harming yourself or others.
• If you experience frequent panic attacks or unexplained fear that affects your life.
• If anxiety prevents you from working, maintaining relationships, or making simple decisions.
• If you feel like you’re losing control over your thoughts or behavior.
• If you notice drastic changes in your eating or sleeping habits.
• If symptoms persist chronically for more than six months.

If you experience any of these situations, we strongly recommend—with love—that you contact a licensed mental health professional. Seeking specialized help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s one of the truest forms of strength and self-awareness.

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In Conclusion:

Anxiety doesn’t exclude us from life, but it tells us that we need to pause, listen, and find comfort. And often, all we need is someone to listen to us sincerely, without judgment, without rushing, just to say to us in an unspoken language: “I’m here, let it out.” At “Sofa,” we’re not experts… but we’re humans, navigating confusing emotions just like you, and we understand how much venting can make a difference. If you feel like expressing yourself… just start, and we’re here to listen. 🤍