Why Anxiety Feels Worse Before It Gets Better
Prefer video? I talk more about why change is hard in this in this short video explanation here → https://youtu.be/LZaPASLIfOs
Many people start therapy hoping anxiety will disappear quickly — and then feel discouraged when symptoms spike instead.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my anxiety feel worse now that I’m working on it?” — this experience is far more common than you might expect.
In fact, feeling worse before feeling better is often a sign that meaningful change is underway.
Anxiety, Awareness, and the Brain
Anxiety thrives on automatic reactions. For years, your brain may have relied on the same responses to stay safe — even if those responses now feel overwhelming or exhausting.
When you begin therapy, something important happens:
You slow down automatic reactions
You become more aware of thoughts, emotions, and triggers
You start responding differently instead of reacting
That awareness can temporarily make anxiety feel louder.
This doesn’t mean therapy is failing. It means your brain is adjusting.
The Role of Neuropathways in Anxiety
Your brain uses established neuropathways — familiar mental routes built through repetition. When anxiety has been present for a long time, those pathways are strong.
As you begin building new responses, your brain enters unfamiliar territory. New pathways take effort before they become automatic.
This transition period can feel uncomfortable, uncertain, and even discouraging.
If you’d like a deeper explanation of why change feels hard in general, you may find this helpful:
👉 Why Change Is So Hard (And Why You’re Not Failing) https://www.destination-therapy.com/blog/why-change-is-so-hard-and-why-youre-not-failing
Why Anxiety Spikes During Progress
Anxiety often increases during:
First attempts at responding differently
Anniversaries or reminders of past stress
Situations where you used to rely on old coping patterns
These moments can make it feel like you’re going backward — when in reality, your brain is learning something new.
What Helps Anxiety Improve Over Time
Progress with anxiety usually looks like:
Increased awareness before reaction
Shorter anxiety episodes
Faster recovery after stress
More self-compassion during setbacks
Relief doesn’t always come immediately, but it does become more sustainable.
Anxiety Therapy in San Diego and Across California
Feel free to call me at (619) 840-7974 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for a therapist who knows how to help, you can read more about how I can help here.
I offer anxiety therapy for adults both in person in San Diego and online throughout California. Therapy focuses on understanding patterns, reducing fear around symptoms, and building responses your brain can maintain long-term.
Telehealth therapy is also available for clients located in CT, TX, MI, and MO.
If anxiety feels confusing, discouraging, or harder than expected, support is available.
👉 Learn more or schedule an appointment here: https://www.destination-therapy.com/contact
Feeling worse doesn’t mean you’re failing. It often means you’re changing.
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