Stop and wonder for a moment: “Am I ever going to feel like myself again?” You're exhausted from the worry, the racing thoughts, the body sensations that seem to come out of nowhere. Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, nothing’s working. So how do you know if you’re actually healing from anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, or OCD?

Recovery doesn’t always feel the way we think it should. Most people expect progress to feel like calm, peaceful days where intrusive thoughts and anxiety simply vanish. That’s not how recovery works.

If you’ve been waiting for a “magic all-clear” feeling before you start living your life again, you might be waiting a long time. Progress often looks different. It’s not perfection or being symptom-free. It’s about choosing to stay present, responding differently, and not letting anxiety control your actions.

Here’s what recovery actually looks like:

• You respond to fear differently.

• You don’t get stuck in the same loops.

• You stop avoiding and start building trust in yourself, even while symptoms are still present.

Recovery isn’t a final destination. It’s a gradual shift in how you relate to anxiety and fear. Hard days are normal, and they don’t mean you’re backtracking. Recovery is messy—but real.

So, how can you tell if healing is happening, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet? Here are seven signs that progress is underway:

1. You’re doing things that scare you

Not everything, not all at once, but maybe you:

• Went driving alone

• Let intrusive thoughts float by without performing your usual rituals

• Skipped checking your pulse or blood pressure

These small acts of courage are real progress.

2. The fear isn’t as loud

You still feel it, but it’s more of a whisper than a scream.

• Adrenaline spikes may feel uncomfortable instead of overwhelming

• Thoughts may still loop, but not as long or as intensely

3. You bounce back faster

A setback might have used to knock you out for a week, but now it’s just a tough day.

• This resilience is a sign of healing

4. You’re using tools

You’re not just reacting anymore.

• Facing what you used to avoid

• Practicing exposures

• Gradually letting go of safety behaviors

• Observing worries or doubts instead of automatically reacting

This conscious choice is massive progress. 

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5. You feel more like yourself

• Laughing a little more

• Enjoying moments without overanalyzing

• Noticing brief periods where anxiety is less intrusive

These small shifts are gold.

6. Recovery is non-linear

Progress is often slow at first and doesn’t happen in a straight line.

• Feeling strong one day and shaky the next is normal

• Sudden flare-ups don’t mean you’re back at square one

• Confidence and coping skills develop gradually through practice

7. You notice small wins

Don’t wait for a giant milestone to recognize improvement. Celebrate:

• Resisting the urge to Google a worry

• Going for a walk despite discomfort or dizziness

• Sitting through a scary thought without trying to “fix” it

Every small victory rewires your brain and moves you closer to freedom.

Healing from anxiety, panic, OCD, or related conditions is challenging—but every choice you make to face fear and respond differently is proof that you are moving forward.

Even if progress feels invisible, it’s happening. Keep noticing the small wins, practicing the tools, and choosing presence over avoidance.

You’re doing better than you think.

Community and Ongoing Support

One of the key elements of recovery is support. Through my community, Warm Heart Hub, there is access to a supportive community of individuals on a similar journey. Through this community, you’ll have access to ongoing encouragement and direct guidance. Whether you have questions or need advice during difficult moments, the support is there.