Hidden Signs of Anxiety That Often Go Unnoticed

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress and challenging situations, but for some people, what starts as a normal reaction becomes a constant struggle that interferes with their daily life and affects both their physical and mental well-being. According to the World Health Organization in 2019, 301 million people worldwide had an anxiety disorder, and after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the number of people struggling with chronic anxiety increased by 25%.

If you or your loved one has been feeling nervous lately, it may be a good idea to learn more about the symptoms of anxiety to determine whether it is necessary to reach out to a mental health professional and get the help you need. In our guide, we will list the most common signs of anxiety, explain the danger of leaving this disorder untreated, and offer effective treatment options to manage anxiety.

What Are the Signs of Anxiety?

While anxiety may manifest differently from one person to the next, there are certain symptoms associated with this disorder that are universally recognized as signs of anxiety. It is important to remember that feeling anxious from time to time is normal—for instance, you may be worried before you take an important test or start a new job. However, if you notice the symptoms below persist and disrupt your life, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder.

• Restlessness
• A person feels on edge and cannot relax.
• Increased Heart Rate
• The heart is beating fast even when a person is not moving.
• Fatigue
• A person feels constantly tired and has trouble sleeping.
• Poor Concentration
• A person is unable to focus and remember things.
• Irritability
• A person is short-tempered and impatient

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

There are numerous physical effects of anxiety on your body—here are the most common symptoms people with anxiety experience

• Tachycardia or a rapid heartbeat that may lead to a heart attack in the most severe cases
• Hyperventilation or rapid breathing often accompanied by chest pain and dizziness
• Headaches or migraines that vary from mild to excruciating
• Insomnia or the inability to sleep, which leads to chronic fatigue during waking hours

Anxiety and physical health are connected—if you do not address the symptoms listed above with a healthcare provider, you may end up with long-term issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease

Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety takes a toll on your mental health in several ways

• Racing thoughts or constant worrying—a person is unable to stop their thoughts, feels uneasy, and struggles to concentrate
• Anticipating danger—a person thinks the worst-case scenario is likely to happen and avoids certain situations out of fear
• Irrational phobias—a person develops an intense fear of something that poses little or no danger

In addition to these symptoms, people with anxiety may struggle with anger management. When a person feels overwhelmed and cannot control their emotions, they may lash out at the people around them

How to Diagnose Anxiety

Only a licensed mental health professional is qualified to diagnose anxiety; nevertheless, there are a few steps you can take to understand whether you suffer from this disorder

• Pay attention to your feelings. If you have been feeling nervous lately, think about the possible triggers for your emotions and monitor your mental state for a few weeks to see if the symptoms persist
• Schedule an appointment with a therapist. A healthcare provider will be able to talk to you about your symptoms and medical history, conduct a physical examination, and offer personalized treatment based on your unique circumstances

When to Talk to a Doctor About Anxiety?

It is advisable to reach out to a medical professional when you first notice the symptoms of anxiety instead of waiting for this disorder to resolve on its own. Without proper treatment, anxiety may lead to such consequences as depression, poor sleep, substance abuse, chronic pain, and suicide.

Contact a doctor when you realize anxiety affects your life—for instance, you are no longer spending time with your friends, canceling work meetings you used to enjoy, and skipping school. You should prioritize your mental health and get the support you need to feel better.

Treatment Options for Anxiety

Fortunately, there are various methods to treat anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Work with your therapist to figure out the best treatment for your recovery. Here are a few treatment options you can try

• Therapy. Also called talk therapy or psychotherapy, this treatment is focused on helping the patient understand their mental illness and equip them with the skills to cope with stress. One of the most popular types of therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is often used to treat anxiety
• Medication. There are different drugs meant to treat anxiety—your doctor may prescribe you medication to balance the chemicals in your brain and manage the symptoms of the disorder
• Lifestyle changes. You can start treating anxiety on your own without medical intervention—for example, it may be beneficial for you to cut down on alcohol and caffeine in your diet, exercise regularly, and practice breathing techniques to calm down when you feel stressed

FAQs

Addressing Anxiety for a Better Life with California Mental Health