15 Signs of Anxiety | What You MUST Know
Are you curious if you have anxiety or are you confused about what anxiety is? How do you recognize anxiety? Let’s dive deeper into understand some telltale signs and how you, or someone you love, can get the help needed to thrive once more.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Recognizing the signs of anxiety is crucial in managing and treating this condition effectively. This post will walk you through 15 signs of anxiety and what you must know to identify if it’s time to seek professional help.
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1. Excessive Worry
People with anxiety disorders often experience constant worry about everyday things, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This excessive worry can interfere with daily life (APA, 2013).
2. Restlessness
Restlessness, or feeling on edge, is a common sign of anxiety. You may feel unable to relax or sit still, which can become mentally exhausting.
3. Fatigue
Despite feeling anxious and often restless, people with anxiety can experience extreme fatigue. Anxiety can drain your energy, leaving you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted.
4. Difficulty Concentrating
Anxiety can make it hard to focus, making daily tasks, work, or school difficult. Many people describe it as feeling like their mind is racing or distracted by worry (Snyder et al., 2015)
5. Irritability
When you are constantly anxious, even small things can irritate you. It’s common for people with anxiety to feel on edge and react more strongly to minor inconveniences.
6. Sleep Disturbances
Anxiety often leads to sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Insomnia is a frequent complaint among people dealing with anxiety disorders (Fernandez-Mendoza et al., 2013).
7. Muscle Tension
Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to chronic muscle tension, headaches, and even jaw clenching. These physical symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated.
8. Panic Attacks
Some individuals with anxiety experience sudden episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks can include chest pain, rapid heart rate, and feelings of dread.
9. Avoidance Behaviors
People with anxiety often go to great lengths to avoid situations or activities that trigger their anxiety. This can range from social situations to specific places or events.
10. Shortness of Breath
Feeling like you can’t catch your breath is a common symptom during anxiety or panic attacks. This shortness of breath can further heighten feelings of panic.
11. Increased Heart Rate
An elevated heart rate, or heart palpitations, is another physical symptom of anxiety. Many individuals feel like their heart is racing, particularly during times of stress or worry.
12. Sweating
Excessive sweating, especially in social situations or when feeling anxious, is a common symptom. Even in cool environments, individuals may sweat due to anxiety.
13. Gastrointestinal Issues
Anxiety can affect your digestive system, causing nausea, stomach aches, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The brain and gut are closely connected, and anxiety often exacerbates digestive problems (Kaczynski et al., (2011).
14. Fear of Losing Control
During severe anxiety or panic attacks, many individuals fear losing control or going crazy. This feeling can be terrifying and may further fuel the cycle of anxiety.
15. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Anxiety can also cause dizziness or feeling lightheaded, especially during intense worry or panic attacks. This can make individuals feel off balance or disoriented.
How to Seek Help
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, seeking help is essential. Anxiety disorders are treatable, but early intervention makes a big difference. Therapy, medication, or alternative treatments such as ketamine therapy can offer relief when traditional treatments are insufficient. For the best online ketamine therapy, please visit the amazing provider at Innerwell. Their knowledge is second to none and compassion sets the standard.
Anxiety can be overwhelming, but understanding the signs is the first step toward regaining control. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a healthcare professional can pave the way for recovery.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Fernandez-Mendoza, J., Vgontzas, A. N., Calhoun, S. L., Karataraki, M., Liao, D., & Bixler, E. O. (2013). Insomnia and incident depression: Role of objective sleep duration and natural history. Sleep, 36(1), 69-76. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2290
Kaczynski, K. J., Claar, R. L., & Logan, D. E. (2011). Chronic pain, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents: Developmental and behavioral factors in comorbidity. Psychological Bulletin, 137(5), 788-811. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024766
Snyder, H. R., Miyake, A., & Hankin, B. L. (2015). Advancing understanding of executive function impairments and psychopathology: Bridging the gap between clinical and cognitive approaches. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 328. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00328
