The Truth About Anxiety — and Our Misconceptions

Mitsu Emig
Aug 7
2 min read

When you hear the word anxiety, do you immediately think of something negative—something you’d rather get rid of?Many people do.

But the truth is, anxiety is actually a sign that your body and mind are trying to protect you.

Anxiety is a natural response designed to help us avoid danger. It comes from our deepest survival instinct: the drive to protect life and ensure the continuation of our species.

Imagine our ancestors encountering a lion.That sudden surge of fear and tension? That was anxiety, helping them run away and survive.

Today, there are no lions in the streets. But we face “invisible lions” every day:

Social tension
Worries about the future
Fear of failure

🌿 Anxiety is not the enemy, because of anxiety, we prepare, stay alert, and protect ourselves. When you notice anxiety, try saying to yourself:

👉 “This is a sign that I am protecting myself.”

Even fear, at its core, is a powerful affirmation:

👉 “I am alive. I want to keep living.”That’s the truth your body is telling you.

🧠 What happens if we feel no fear?

Imagine a person with no fear at all.They might walk straight into traffic—or even into a lion’s path—without hesitation. In rare cases, people are born without the ability to feel fear, and they need to learn alternative ways to stay safe in CBT type of trainings.

So if you feel anxious, it’s a sign that your body and mind are working properly.

💡 Let’s begin to change our relationship with anxiety. Believing that “anxiety = bad” brings harm, not healing. Instead, let’s learn to see it as a helpful signal.

👉 In the next part, I’ll share simple exercises to improve your relationship with anxiety.

Mitsu Emig

Certified Hypnotherapist & Coach based in New York

Master of Social Work (MSW) – University of Michigan

Harvard/Radcliffe Management Program Graduate

Available for sessions via Zoom or in-person in Manhattan

I support emotional and life transformation through subconscious rewiring.

📩 Inquiries & bookings:

https://www.mitsuny.com

https://www.nystylecoach.com

mitsuny.com@gmail.com

📞 +1-917-488-6175 (Japanese OK)