What If Your Anxiety Isn’t Just “Anxiety”?
Many people living with chronic anxiety or panic attacks are told they have generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. But what if that’s only part of the story? Could anxiety and trauma issues be interconnected?
For some individuals, ongoing anxiety isn’t just about being “stressed out” or “wired differently.” It may actually be a symptom of unresolved trauma stored in the body and nervous system.
At Future Focus Counselling Center in Kamloops, we specialize in uncovering the trauma-based roots of anxiety and panic. Let’s explore how trauma can manifest as chronic anxiety—and what healing can look like.
How Trauma Shows Up as Anxiety
Trauma doesn’t always come from one obvious event. It can result from ongoing emotional neglect, childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, systemic oppression, medical trauma, or being in environments where you didn’t feel safe.
These experiences change the way your brain and nervous system respond to stress.
Common Trauma-Linked Anxiety Symptoms:
- Constant worry, even when things are going well
- Startling easily or feeling “on edge” all the time
- Physical symptoms like a racing heart, shallow breathing, nausea
- Avoidance of specific situations or people
- Panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere
- Trouble sleeping, even when exhausted
- Feeling like you’re always in danger, even if you’re safe
These aren’t just psychological—they’re signs your nervous system may be stuck in survival mode.
Why Trauma and Panic Are Connected
When trauma isn’t processed, your brain stays on high alert. The amygdala (your fear center) becomes overactive, while the prefrontal cortex (responsible for logic and safety cues) becomes underactive.
In short, your body keeps reacting as if the trauma is still happening—even when you’re safe.
This is why trauma survivors often experience:
- Panic attacks with no clear trigger
- Hypervigilance in public spaces
- Shame or guilt about being “too sensitive”
- Confusion about why they can’t “just relax”
These reactions are not weakness. They’re survival responses that haven’t had the chance to complete and resolve.
At Future Focus Counselling Center, we approach anxiety and panic through a trauma-informed lens. This means we look beyond the symptoms to understand the experiences underneath.
Some of the trauma-focused therapies we use:
We also help clients build nervous system awareness and grounding tools so they can gradually shift out of chronic fight-or-flight.
You’re Not “Too Much”—You’ve Been Through Too Much
If you’ve struggled with anxiety or panic attacks that haven’t improved with typical strategies,therapy might be a missing piece. It’s not about reliving what we have experienced—it’s about creating safety, stability, and understanding inside your own mind and body.
At Future Focus Counselling Center, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy across British Columbia. Our team specializes in treating trauma-related anxiety and panic using evidence-based, compassionate care.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free 20-minute consultation here to learn how we can help.
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