Breaking the Grip of Anxiety: How Coaching Can Help Us Heal
Anxiety is rising across society—but with the right tools, we can reclaim calm, clarity, and control.
The Anxiety Epidemic
Anxiety has become a global epidemic. It’s showing up in workplaces, homes, schools, and communities—impacting people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the World Health Organisation, anxiety disorders increased by 25% globally in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the US, 19.1% of adults experience an anxiety disorder annually, and 31.1% will experience one in their lifetime.
Among teens, the numbers are even more alarming: 31.9% of adolescents aged 13–18 have experienced an anxiety disorder, with girls disproportionately affected.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats—but chronic anxiety is often triggered by:
- Uncertainty and perceived lack of control
- Chronic stress (work, finances, relationships)
- Trauma or adverse life experiences
- Social isolation and digital overload
- Genetic predispositions and brain chemistry
The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these triggers, creating a perfect storm for anxiety to thrive.
Why Anxiety Is Unhealthy
While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic anxiety can be debilitating. It affects:
- Mental health: Increased risk of depression and panic disorders
- Physical health: Higher risk of heart disease and immune dysfunction
- Daily functioning: Impaired focus, sleep issues, and productivity loss
- Relationships: Emotional reactivity and withdrawal
- Strategies to Lift the Darkness of Anxiety
Despite its grip, anxiety is treatable. The key is knowing which strategies to use—and when.
- Coaching as a Pathway to Calm
Coaching offers a powerful, non-clinical approach to managing anxiety. Unlike therapy, coaching is future-focused and helps clients:
- Identify anxiety triggers
- Reframe limiting beliefs
- Build emotional resilience
- Set goals and take action
- Develop mindfulness and self-awareness
“Anxiety may be a part of the world we live in, but it’s a cycle you can break. Coaching helps you stop the mental spin and use your curiosity to transform your fears—and your life.”
— Martha Beck, Beyond Anxiety
- Whole Brain Living: Dr Jill Bolte Taylor’s Approach
Dr Jill Bolte Taylor’s Whole Brain Living introduces a revolutionary framework for managing emotions. She identifies four brain characters:
- Character 1: Logical and analytical
- Character 2: Fearful and reactive (where anxiety lives)
- Character 3: Creative and present
- Character 4: Compassionate and connected
Anxiety stems from Character 2, but by consciously shifting into Character 3 and 4, we can access calm and clarity.
“You are not your fear. You are the observer of your fear. And you have the power to choose a different path.”
— Dr Jill Bolte Taylor
Coaching helps clients recognise which “character” is active and guides them to choose more empowering responses.
- Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
Mindfulness is one of the most effective tools for managing anxiety. It helps clients:
- Stay present instead of catastrophising
- Observe thoughts without judgement
- Interrupt the fight-or-flight response
Coaches often use breathwork, body scans, and visualisation to help clients regulate their nervous systems.
- Lifestyle Adjustments That Support Calm
Simple lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce anxiety:
- Exercise: Reduces cortisol and boosts mood
- Nutrition: Whole foods support brain health
- Sleep hygiene: Poor sleep worsens anxiety
- Digital boundaries: Less screen time = calmer mind
- Connection: Social support buffers stress
These strategies are often integrated into coaching plans for holistic wellbeing.
Coaching in Action: A Real-Life Example
Imagine a client overwhelmed by workplace stress. Through coaching, they identify triggers (perfectionism, fear of failure), learn to shift from Character 2 to Character 3 (creative problem-solving), learn to shift from Character 2 to Character 3 (creative problem-solving), and set boundaries around work hours. Over time, they feel more empowered, less reactive, and more aligned with their values.
This transformation isn’t magic—it’s methodical. And it’s possible for anyone.
Final Thoughts: From Fear to Freedom
Anxiety may be widespread, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right tools—coaching, whole brain living, mindfulness, and lifestyle shifts—people can move from stuck to empowered.
“You can step into your centre of calm. You can live beyond anxiety. And you don’t have to do it alone.”
— Martha Beck