What is Anxiety Telling You?
Anxiety Isn’t the Problem—It’s a Signal
Let’s talk about anxiety. In my podcast episode “What Is Anxiety Telling You”, I discuss unconventional approches to anxiety. Most of us think it’s something we have to fix, medicate, or just push through. I used to think the same thing—that anxiety was this permanent part of me. Something I’d just have to live with because, hey, everyone in my family has it, so why wouldn’t I?
But what if I told you that anxiety isn’t your enemy? It’s not out to ruin your life. Anxiety is a signal. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s off—pay attention!” And instead of drowning it out with meds (or, let’s be real, wine), what if you got curious about what it’s trying to tell you?
Now, before you think I’m about to bash medication—I’m not. I’ve been on SSRIs for years, and they’ve helped me in some tough seasons. But here’s the thing: meds are a tool, not the whole toolbox. If we’re just slapping a Band-Aid on anxiety without looking at what’s causing it, we’re missing the point.
In this blog, I’m breaking down four ways anxiety can show up as a signal and what it might be trying to tell you. Let’s get into it.
1. Environmental Signals
Look around. Your environment—the people, spaces, and vibes you’re surrounded by—can absolutely be a source of anxiety. Ever notice how some people leave you feeling drained or on edge? Yeah, that’s not a coincidence.
Your body is incredibly smart, and if your “ecosystem” isn’t supportive, anxiety will sound the alarm. Maybe it’s the coworker who always undermines you, or the friend who loves to throw subtle jabs at your dreams. These little stressors pile up over time, and your anxiety is like, “Hey, we’re not okay with this.”
What to do: Start by just noticing how you feel in different environments. Do certain people or situations make you feel more anxious? That’s your cue to set some boundaries or make changes to protect your energy.
2. Physiological Signals
Sometimes, anxiety is less about what’s happening around you and more about what’s happening inside you. Your body might be trying to flag something deeper, like:
Hormonal imbalances (think: low progesterone or thyroid issues)
Nutrient deficiencies (low vitamin D, magnesium, or B vitamins)
Medication side effects (stimulants, cold medicines)
For example, when I went through chemo, my anxiety was through the roof. My body felt under attack, and my nervous system was on overdrive. Other times, it’s been related to hormonal changes or even that time I overdid it with caffeine (spoiler: not a good idea).
What to do: Get curious about your patterns. If you’re constantly anxious, could there be a physiological reason? Work with your healthcare team to check for imbalances or deficiencies. Sometimes, the fix isn’t about “pushing through”—it’s about addressing what your body needs.
3. Diet Signals
Let’s talk about blood sugar. If your day looks like caffeine overload, carb spikes, and crashing by 3 PM, guess what? Your anxiety is probably losing its mind. Spikes and crashes in blood sugar mess with your system, leaving you feeling jittery and anxious one minute, then starving and exhausted the next.
Alcohol doesn’t help either. Sure, it feels like it takes the edge off, but it’s a temporary Band-Aid that makes things worse long-term. Rebound anxiety is real—and brutal. Plus, alcohol messes with your blood sugar and sleep, two things anxiety feeds on.
What to do: Focus on balancing your meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. If you’re noticing patterns, try tools like a continuous glucose monitor to see how your body reacts to food.
4. Lifestyle Signals
Finally, let’s look at how you’re living. Are you constantly on the go, overcommitting, and glued to your screen? Anxiety is often your body saying, “We need to slow down.” And if you’re not sleeping, laughing, or connecting with others? Yeah, your body’s going to let you know about that too.
Here’s another twist: anxiety can also show up when you’re pushing past your comfort zone (in a good way). This is what I call a growth edge. It’s that mix of excitement and fear you feel when you’re doing something big, like launching a new project or speaking up for yourself. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also where growth happens.
What to do: Check in with yourself. Are you burnt out or just stretching yourself in a healthy way? Prioritize rest, connection, and joy. And remember: anxiety isn’t here to ruin you—it’s here to guide you.
Anxiety Is Talking—Are You Listening?
Anxiety isn’t just a thing to fix or shut up. It’s a message. Sometimes it’s telling you to set boundaries, check your health, or rethink your habits. Other times, it’s reminding you to lean into growth.
The key is to stop seeing anxiety as the problem and start seeing it as a signal. Tune in, pay attention, and get curious. Your body is on your side—it just needs you to listen.
Until next time!
-Dr. Mary
You can listen to my episode here or check it out on YouTube!