What Is Anxiety? ✨
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, uncertainty, or potential danger. At times, it can even be protective, helping us prepare for challenges or stay alert. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming or constant, it can interfere with daily life. Instead of motivating you, it may leave you feeling restless, exhausted, or disconnected from yourself and others.
Anxiety can affect both the mind and body. You might notice racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, a sense of dread, or physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, or stomach issues. It can make even ordinary decisions feel daunting and relationships more difficult to navigate.
People experience anxiety differently, but some common signs include:
Constant worry about the future or things you can’t control
Difficulty concentrating or feeling present
Racing thoughts that are hard to “turn off”
Feeling restless, on edge, or easily overwhelmed
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Physical symptoms such as tension, rapid heartbeat, or nausea
Avoiding situations that feel stressful or uncertain
In South Asian and AAPI communities, anxiety can show up in ways that are often misunderstood or minimized. Cultural and family expectations may shape how anxiety is experienced and expressed. For many, mental health conversations have not been openly discussed at home, which can make it harder to seek help.
Common Concerns Around Anxiety in the Asian & South Asian Community
Academic and career pressure:
The expectation to succeed can create ongoing stress, perfectionism, or fear of failure.
Somatic symptoms:
Anxiety may be expressed through the body—such as fatigue, digestive issues, or pain—especially when emotional struggles feel harder to voice.
Family and cultural obligations:
Balancing your own needs with family expectations can feel overwhelming. Anxiety may show up as guilt, people-pleasing, or constant pressure to “do the right thing.”
Immigration and identity stressors:
Navigating life between cultures, facing racism or discrimination, and managing immigration stress can intensify feelings of worry and disconnection.
Stigma around mental health:
Talking about anxiety may feel like a sign of weakness or dishonor, leading people to suffer in silence.
People experience anxiety differently, but some common signs include:
Constant worry about the future or things you can’t control
Difficulty concentrating or feeling present
Racing thoughts that are hard to “turn off”
Feeling restless, on edge, or easily overwhelmed
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Physical symptoms such as tension, rapid heartbeat, or nausea
Avoiding situations that feel stressful or uncertain
Our Approach 🌈
When you begin therapy at Spiral Up, our goal is not just to reduce symptoms of anxiety, but to help you understand its roots and build a healthier relationship with yourself.
Here’s what our work may look like:
Exploration and understanding: We create a space where you can share your story without judgment. Together, we’ll uncover the experiences, cultural dynamics, and patterns that fuel your anxiety.
Practical tools: You’ll learn calming techniques and grounding strategies to manage worry and stress in the moment.
Deeper healing: We’ll look at how anxiety has shaped your identity and relationships, and work on shifting patterns like perfectionism, self-criticism, or avoidance.
Culturally sensitive support: We recognize the impact of immigration, generational expectations, and cultural identity. Therapy will always honor your background and the unique challenges you carry.
Through this process, you’ll learn not only how to manage anxiety, but also how to reconnect with calm, clarity, and self-compassion.
You Belong Here 🌟
Whether you’re the first in your family to seek therapy, or you’ve been on this journey for a while, we’re here to walk alongside you. Think of us as a mix of thought partners, compassionate guides, and cheerleaders—here to help you rewrite the story you want to live. Your culture, your struggles, and your dreams all matter—and we’re honored to hold space for them.