When “I’m Fine” Feels Like a Lie

Yesterday I asked my friend how he was feeling, and his instant response was, “I’m fine.” But something in his eyes said otherwise. So many of us are walking around with practiced smiles and automatic replies, all while carrying the weight of anxiety, self-doubt, and unresolved pain.

We say “I’m fine” because it feels easier than explaining the overwhelm or because deep down, we’ve come to believe that our feelings aren’t valid or worth sharing. That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be a powerful shift—helping us uncover the real story beneath the surface and gently guiding us toward healing.

EMDR doesn’t just work on what’s happening now—it traces those heavy emotions back to their roots. Often, the anxious thoughts we battle daily come from unprocessed memories and long-held core beliefs like:

“I’m not enough” 

“I can’t mess up” 

“It’s not safe to feel.” 

Through bilateral stimulation, your brain gets the chance to reprocess these beliefs and install more truthful, empowering ones—like “I’m safe now,” “My needs matter,” and “I don’t have to do this alone.” And here’s the most important part: EMDR isn’t just about changing how you think—it’s about changing how you feel in your body. The tension, the racing thoughts, the constant pressure? They begin to quiet.

You don’t have to carry the weight in silence.

You don’t have to settle for “fine.”

We’re here to walk with you—every step of the way. Anxiety therapy in Virginia is one click away. Let's set up a free 15-minute chat to see how we can partner with you, give us a call at 804-322-7185 or sign up here.