by Jarrette Wright-Booker MA, LPC, CAADC
You ever have one of those days where your mind is running faster than a toddler on a sugar rush? One minute you’re chilling, and the next, your brain has you convinced you forgot to turn the stove off, respond to that text from last week, and prepare for the apocalypse—all at the same time. Sound familiar?
That relentless mental noise can make it feel like you’re constantly bracing for disaster. And if you’ve been pushing through life carrying the weight of the world, prioritizing everyone else while ignoring your own exhaustion, it’s no wonder your thoughts are running circles around you.
But here’s the truth: Your mind isn’t always telling you the truth. It convinces you that you’re not doing enough, that you’re failing, or that something terrible is about to happen when, in reality, you’re just existing in a world that demands way too much from you.
Signs Your Anxiety is Running the Show
If any of these sound familiar, anxiety might be in the driver’s seat:
🚨 You replay conversations, analyzing every word like you’re about to submit a dissertation on “Why Did I Say That?”
🚨 You have a Ph.D. in overthinking but no degree in giving yourself grace.
🚨 Your body feels like you just drank three cups of coffee… even when you didn’t.
🚨 You avoid people, places, or tasks because they feel overwhelming, but then you stress about avoiding them.
🚨 You find it impossible to relax—your mind refuses to sit still, even when your body is exhausted.
Anxiety loves to make a mess of your peace, but the good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle.
How Anxiety Affects Black Men and Women Differently
While anxiety can show up in anyone, cultural factors and societal pressures can make it hit differently for Black men and women.
🔥 For Black women – The expectation to be “strong” at all times leaves little room for vulnerability, leading many to internalize stress instead of seeking help. 🔥 For Black men – Society’s pressure to appear “tough” and emotionless can make acknowledging anxiety feel like a weakness when, in reality, it’s just part of being human.
Hyper-independence, people-pleasing, and carrying the emotional labor for others can make anxiety even worse. It’s time to break that cycle and prioritize your own mental well-being.
How to Stop Letting Anxiety Win
- Call It Out – When your brain starts spinning wild scenarios, ask yourself, Is this a fact or just anxiety talking? Nine times out of ten, anxiety is just trying to stir up unnecessary drama.
- Breathe Like You Mean It – Shallow breathing fuels anxiety, so take slow, deep breaths like you’re trying to convince your nervous system that everything is fine (because, most likely, it actually is).
- Move Your Body – Anxiety builds up like static electricity. Shake it off—literally. Take a walk, dance, stretch, do something to remind yourself you’re in control of your body.
- Set Boundaries Like a Boss – If people-pleasing is your default mode, anxiety will keep draining you. Start saying no without the guilt trip. The world won’t end, I promise.
- Practice Mindfulness – No, you don’t have to sit cross-legged chanting “om” (unless you want to). Just bring yourself into the present moment—focus on your breathing, what you see, what you hear. Anxiety lives in the what-ifs, but peace exists in the right now.
- Journal It Out – Sometimes, writing your anxious thoughts down helps expose how irrational they are. Get it out of your head and onto paper. You might realize that your worries look a lot less intimidating when they’re not bouncing around in your mind.
- Talk to Someone Who Gets It – Hyper-independence won’t heal your anxiety, and pushing through alone isn’t the flex we were led to believe. A therapist (yes, like us at Introspective Counseling) can help you untangle those anxious thoughts and build real coping skills.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If anxiety has been calling the shots in your life, it’s time to change the script. At Introspective Counseling, serving Detroit, Southfield, Ferndale, Farmington Hills, Troy, Ferndale, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield, MI our highly trained therapists specialize in helping Black men and women in Detroit reclaim their peace, set boundaries, and break free from the cycle of overthinking and self-neglect. Whether you’re battling daily anxiety, struggling with burnout, or feeling overwhelmed by past trauma, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today and start prioritizing yourself the way you deserve.
