When anxiety takes over, reassuring words from others aren’t always enough. Telling someone to “put things into perspective”, “think about something else” or “let go” can even make them feel even more alone with the overwhelming emotions inside. At times like these, regaining a sense of calm doesn’t necessarily require a miracle cure. It sometimes begins with something simpler and more profound: seeking a foothold, a point of reference, a source of comfort that can hold firm when fear takes hold of us. This article explores precisely these possible paths, for when anxiety becomes overwhelming and it becomes difficult to breathe a little more freely.
Anxiety and anguish: close relatives
Today, I’d like to explore a topic that is often misunderstood yet very present: anxiety and anguish. They are like companions that often intertwine in our lives.
We can think of anxiety as being directed toward something concrete. For example, I’m afraid of spiders. This type of anxiety has a specific object: in September, I dread coming across a spider.
Anguish, on the other hand, is more diffuse. We don’t really know where it comes from. It settles quietly in the background of our daily lives, without any apparent reason. Why am I afraid of spiders? I don’t know, it’s just the way it is. They simply seem unpleasant to me.
Anxiety Disorders need to more visible
We talk a lot about depression, but anxiety disorders are just as paralyzing. They prevent us from fully living, while often being misunderstood or stigmatized. Even well-meaning people around us tend to offer simplistic advice: “Relax,” “Let go,” “Get help.”
These phrases, even when sincere, are not enough. The reality of anxiety disorders is irrational and cannot be controlled on demand. We can put solutions in place, follow therapies, and still, the discomfort remains. The ground can feel like it’s shaking beneath our feet, despite others’ reassurances. Sometimes, we’ve already experienced breakdowns in the past, and the fear of reliving that chaos lingers.
The Misunderstanding of Others
Anguish often confronts our loved ones with irrational situations. Even when we know we are safe, that our basic needs are met, our body and emotions remain stuck in anticipation of imminent catastrophe.
It’s a state of hypervigilance, where the brain and the body are no longer aligned. Our reason knows that everything is fine, but our gut feels an immediate threat. In those moments, it is almost impossible to think clearly or draw constructive conclusions.
Life Through the Lens of Anguish
Personally, I am an anxious person. And sometimes, it’s difficult to put words to what we feel. Anguish brings me back to certain childhood sensations, like in fairy tales where danger always seems imminent, even within a space that is supposed to be protective. Anticipation and fear take over, and our perception of reality becomes blurred.
Even in rational situations like a job interview, anxious people tend to ruminate, anticipate the worst, and confuse what they can control with what they cannot.
Resting in What Is Greater Than Us
So how can we find relief when anxiety becomes overwhelming? For me, the key is to hold on to something greater than ourselves. It could be contemplating the universe, black holes, or phenomena that completely surpass us. Facing our own powerlessness in this way can ground us and put our worries into perspective.
We can also find this anchor through creation, art, or spirituality, whatever form it takes. Believing in something bigger, whether it’s a film, a piece of art, or a belief system, allows us to settle and release some of the pressure.
Exploring Our Anchors
Each person must discover what helps them relax and let go. It’s not a rational process, nor something that can be decided on command. It’s an intimate exploration, a gradual learning process to find our own safe spaces.
In today’s world, where we are often left to ourselves, having a place to rest is essential. It allows us to finally release what we cannot control and to find a bit of serenity in the midst of anxiety.
In conclusion
Finding a little peace amidst anxiety does not mean making fear disappear with a wave of a magic wand. Rather, it is about discovering, step by step, what can offer support when everything feels unstable: a sense of grounding, a feeling of beauty, a connection, a presence, a way of staying alive even when anxiety grips you too tightly. When these difficulties become overwhelming or too hard to cope with alone, a therapeutic space can help you explore what truly brings peace, beyond ready-made advice. If this text resonates with what you are going through, getting in touch could be a first step towards discussing it in a supportive and listening environment.