We call it anxiety, but really — it’s fear with a PR makeover. It’s fear that took a LinkedIn course on “Rebranding for Modern Women” and came back calling itself Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Anxiety is fear pretending it has a better wardrobe. Except it doesn’t. It’s wearing the same pajamas we’ve had on since Tuesday.
Here’s the truth no one tells you:
Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal. It’s the smoke alarm your body sets off when something feels out of control — like hormones, hot flashes, or your email inbox after a three-day nap.
Your brain is basically yelling, “Hey! Something’s off!” but the world hears it as “She’s overreacting.” Spoiler: you’re not. Your nervous system just needs a breather — literally.
A midlife twist:
For a lot of us, anxiety amps up during menopause because estrogen and progesterone — the body’s emotional moderators — decide to retire early without notice. So now you’ve got a nervous system running the show solo, and she’s not exactly chill.
If you feel jumpy, restless, or suddenly catastrophizing over a burnt piece of toast — you’re not broken. You’re human. Just one with an overcaffeinated amygdala and a slightly dramatic thermostat.
What helps:
- Name it. Say out loud, “I feel fear,” instead of “I’m anxious.” It reminds your brain that you’re still in charge.
- Breathe like a lazy cat. Slow, deep, and unapologetic.
- Do something small and certain. Fold towels, water plants, text a friend who gets it. Certainty calms chaos.
Bonus points if your cat joins in. Mine does, usually sitting on my chest like a therapy paperweight.
And finally:
Anxiety isn’t weakness — it’s awareness. It’s your body saying, “I care too much to ignore this.” That’s not something to medicate into silence. It’s something to meet with kindness and a cooling pillow.
You’re not crazy. You’re adapting. And you’re not alone. Now go pet something fluffy and remind yourself: You’ve survived everything you thought you couldn’t — including this.