We simply don't have enough clinicians to treat all of the people that come to us. The healthcare system is already overburdened and because of that, some people are not getting the help they need or the appropriate type of help. Some people even believe that they should be able to handle anxiety on their own.

That getting treatment or taking a course is a sign of weakness. The belief in “just pushing through” prevents them from getting help.

Or maybe they won't start treatment because they're waiting for their symptoms to improve first “I'll start when I feel better” is what they say, which is really just postponing taking action or they feel like they have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. This perfectionistic mindset could lead them to delay taking action until they feel completely ready, which may never actually happen.

Some are afraid of confronting their anxiety. They are afraid that learning about a solution would force them to confront uncomfortable emotions and experiences which can cause them to put off getting better.

Others doubt whether therapy will work for them because they've tried everything already and their anxiety is still crippling. The fear of investing time and effort into therapy that may not yield the desired results could become a roadblock.

Negative self-talk can play a significant role in holding someone back from getting help. They may constantly tell themselves that they are not capable of managing their anxiety or they don't deserve to feel better.

Some people want immediate gratification and if they don't see results right away, they think they failed or they get discouraged or overwhelmed.

Every single one of these worries is valid and felt by many fellow anxiety sufferers.

Or maybe there's something else holding you back.

One thing I know for sure though is that one of the most common reasons that prevent people from getting help for their anxiety is the belief that nothing has worked for them before or that they've had anxiety way too long for any real change to work.

While it's completely normal to feel discouraged after trying various treatments without consistent success, it's essential to remain open to new possibilities.

Sometimes the right approach to anxiety management takes time to find and it will require you to step outside of what feels comfortable or safe for you.

You've likely tried everything before, but you haven't tried it the correct way or anxiety wouldn't still be controlling your life. Regardless of how long you've had anxiety, how many therapists you've seen, or how much medication you've taken, you can recover and get your life back.

The notion that you can recover and regain control of your life is supported by the fact that many individuals have successfully managed their anxiety with the right guidance. Embracing the idea that you haven't been appropriately treated rather than inherently incapable can be empowering.

Recognizing that you might not have been exposed to the right strategies can help shift your perspective. This approach acknowledges that you're not at fault for your anxiety, but that you now have an opportunity to equip yourself with the tools you need to thrive.