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There are plenty of signs of anxiety to look out for in yourself or others. Anxiety is also discussed continuously on social media and television, allowing others to see what happens when somebody suffers from this disorder. Typically when people discuss mental health, they observe the apparent signs and talk about anxiety attacks. Your mental health has more pieces to it than the extremes. Some of the less obvious signs are the ones that should be observed to help you seek help. Everyone needs to understand these signs to approach someone dealing with these symptoms with love.
Always Tired
One sign that can be easily ignored by your peers is fatigue. Fatigue is something that everyone experiences at one time or another, but it can be a sign of mental struggle if you pay close attention. People who suffer from anxiety can get full eight hours of sleep and still feel exhausted in the morning. If you have a full night of rest and feel fatigued only halfway through the day, it might be time to start watching your patterns.
Anxiety can work as a strong force to keep you up at night, wondering, and overthinking. It’s normal to be up late, anxious about a new job or event you are having the next day. When it becomes an every night thing, there may be a more significant issue. Sleep is essential to all aspects of health. If you want to function normally during the day, you need to feel rested. Sleep deprivation can worsen your anxiety or lead to depression.
Feelings of Impending Doom
There are signs of anxiety that get brushed to the side and labeled as a trivial moment of overreaction. Have you ever planned on going to a social event, and you or your friend refuses to go inside all of a sudden? In these situations, people may become judgmental, not realizing how paralyzing anxiety can be. This anxious feeling can come out of nowhere and can be very difficult to explain. When you understand people in your life, you will know how to react in these situations. It’s best to give them their time to regroup, as these situations of panic typically don't take that long.
Brewing Tension
Tension can arise when someone is anxious and come off as angry. Depending on the presentation, anxiety can be perceived as anger. After an argument or intense disagreement with someone you don't know that well, you may discover that the whole stir up came from fear. Most often, anxiety is fear of the unknown, and people don't even realize it. Conflicts can be resolved if there is an understanding of anxiety and how most people are only afraid.
Becoming Detached or Distant
If someone struggles with anxiety, they may seem distant or detached from what's going on in the room. What is mistaken for distance is just them carefully observing the situation—people with anxiety like to monitor a situation before and during. Not knowing what they are walking into can be terrifying for someone suffering from anxiety. So many unanswered questions drive them from even going to an event or a simple hangout with friends. If you are at a party with either a friend or someone you don't know that well, give them a chance if they are coming off as a wallflower.
Stomach Issues
Have you ever had that one friend that always had a stomach ache? Anxiety can cause constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. Your gut plays a significant role in your mental health. Some even refer to your stomach as the “second brain.” Millions of neurons in the stomach send information from your stomach to your brain and affect your emotions. When something in your surroundings is off, your gut sends a message to your brain, which can stir up anxiety.
Constant Need for Reassurance
When working with anxiety, you may reach a point of significant confusion. Often, in the workplace, if nothing is said to you about your performance, it can be safe to say you are doing fine. However, someone with anxiety may always need to hear that they are doing well verbally. It’s essential that when working with someone with anxiety that you communicate that you are pleased with their performance. If you suffer from anxiety, don’t be afraid to ask how you are doing.
The same goes for relationships. Being in a relationship or married to someone struggling with anxiety may involve giving them constant reminders that you are still there with them emotionally.
It’s vital that you pay attention to the signs of someone struggling with anxiety. Not all of the symptoms are obvious, and if they get overlooked, they can be potentially dangerous. Make sure to look out for the subtle signs, including extreme fatigue, feelings of impending doom, tension with others, becoming detached, stomach issues, and needing constant reassurance from others. If you have noticed that a friend or loved one is showing signs of anxiety, then talking to them may benefit them. Ignoring symptoms of anxiety can lead to a multitude of negative behaviors, including substance use. If you or a loved one has reached a point of anxiety where you can no longer normally function, it is time to seek help. START UP RECOVERY helps anyone struggling with anxiety and the negative behaviors that may accompany it. If you or a loved one needs professional help, contact START UP RECOVERY at (310) 773-3809.