Finding Inner Peace: My Journey Through Anxiety
- nikolettturai
- Nov 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 22
For a couple of months, I felt like I was walking around with a live wire under my skin. I was snappy with the people I love, overthinking everything, and binge-eating like it was my full-time job. My body was constantly tense, as if I was waiting for something terrible to happen—even when nothing actually was.
Eventually, I hit that point where I looked at myself and thought:
“Okay babe… this isn’t sustainable.”
So, I referred myself through a local service called Mindsmatter. The process was simple: fill out an online self-referral form, get a call, talk through what’s going on, and then choose from the options they offer. I was given the choice between a group programme or a self-directed one with someone overseeing. I chose the latter—because group therapy? Not me. Not yet. Not in this economy.
The First Appointment
We went through my whole life story (fun), and my therapist very gently told me:
“The NHS doesn’t really offer the emotional regulation work you need… but we can work on your anxiety.”
And honestly, fair. Emotional regulation probably requires the Avengers.
So, session two became Anxiety 101—understanding what it actually is rather than just fighting with it like an imaginary enemy.
So… What Is Anxiety?
The easiest way to explain it is this:
Your brain thinks you’re in danger, so it presses the BIG RED BUTTON. It doesn’t matter if the danger is real or just a thought spiral you cooked up because someone didn’t text you back fast enough.
Once your brain decides you’re threatened, your whole body jumps into action:
Thoughts start racing
Your mouth goes dry
Your heart speeds up
You sweat (apparently being slippery helps you “escape”… evolution was wild)
Muscles tense
Your stomach flips
Breathing gets fast and shallow
You feel dizzy or spaced out
It’s basically your body saying:
“We fight? We run? We faint? What’s the vibe?”
Then comes the behaviour part—the stuff we do to feel safer:
Avoiding situations or people
Only going somewhere if someone comes with us
Leaving early
Using little “safety habits” (fiddling, holding a drink, staying glued to your phone)
The problem? Those behaviours make you feel better in the moment, but they keep the anxiety alive long-term. If you always avoid the situation, you never find out whether the terrible thing you’re predicting actually happens… so your brain just keeps assuming the worst.
The STOP Technique
One tool my wellbeing therapist taught me is called the STOP technique—and it’s so simple it almost feels fake until you try it.
S — Stop
Pause. Put the brakes on the thought spiral.
T — Take a breath
Slow, deliberate breathing gives your body a chance to calm the emergency alarms.
O — Observe
Ask yourself:
What am I telling myself right now?
Why am I feeling this way?
What disaster am I predicting?
P — Perspective
This is where you reality-check the thought:
Is this fact or opinion?
What’s another way of looking at this?
What would I tell my best friend in the same situation?
Using this doesn’t magically erase anxiety, but it does help you catch the thoughts that are fuelling the emotion. And like anything, the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
Going Back to Therapy Doesn’t Mean You Failed
If anything, it means you’ve finally stopped trying to white-knuckle your way through life. I’m still very much in the process—unpacking, healing, regulating, and unlearning all the things that don’t serve me anymore. But going back was the first step in getting my peace back.
The Importance of Seeking Help
It’s vital to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength. It shows that you are willing to confront your struggles head-on. You deserve to feel calm and fulfilled. If you’re reading this thinking you might need help too… you’re not alone, and support exists.
If You Need Support:
Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7)
Mind– mind.org.uk
Shout– Text Shout to 85258
NHS Mental Health Services– nhs.uk/mental-health
Urgent Help– If you’re in immediate danger, call 999
Useful Resources:
Embracing the Journey of Healing
Healing is not linear. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards a more fulfilling life. Embrace the process. Allow yourself to feel, to heal, and to grow.
Finding Your Path to Fulfilment
As you navigate your journey, remember that it’s okay to seek guidance. Whether through therapy, self-help resources, or supportive communities, you are not alone. The path to inner peace is often challenging, but it is also rewarding. You have the strength within you to find your way.
Conclusion: Your Peace Awaits
In conclusion, remember that your mental health matters. Take the time to nurture yourself. Seek the support you need. You are worthy of a life filled with calm, joy, and fulfilment. Your journey is uniquely yours, and it’s never too late to start prioritising your wellbeing.
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