Anxiety Signs and Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

1. Emotional Symptoms:

• Excessive Worry: Persistent and uncontrollable worry about everyday situations, often disproportionate to the actual threat.

• Restlessness: Feeling "on edge" or unable to relax.

• Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or irritable, often over minor things.

• Fear or Panic: Intense feelings of fear or impending doom, sometimes leading to panic attacks.

2. Cognitive Symptoms:

• Racing Thoughts: Difficulty controlling or slowing down rapid thoughts.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus or experiencing a blank mind during stressful situations.

• Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst possible outcome in a situation.

• Indecisiveness: Difficulty making decisions due to fear of making the wrong choice.

3. Physical Symptoms:

• Increased Heart Rate: Palpitations or a racing heartbeat.

• Shortness of Breath: Feeling like you can't catch your breath or tightness in the chest.

• Sweating: Excessive sweating, even in cool conditions.

• Trembling or Shaking: Involuntary shaking, often of the hands.

• Muscle Tension: Stiffness or tightness in muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.

• Headaches: Frequent tension headaches.

• Stomach Issues: Nausea, upset stomach, or gastrointestinal distress, sometimes leading to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.

• Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, even after a full night's sleep.

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless sleep.

4. Behavioral Symptoms:

• Avoidance: Avoiding situations, people, or activities that trigger anxiety.

• Procrastination: Delaying tasks due to fear of failure or anxiety about the outcome.

• Compulsive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive actions (e.g., checking, counting) to manage anxiety.

• Social Withdrawal: Isolating oneself from social situations to avoid anxiety-provoking interactions.

5. Panic Attack Symptoms:

• Sudden Intense Fear: A sudden and overwhelming sense of fear or dread.

• Chest Pain: A feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.

• Choking Sensation: Feeling like you can't breathe or swallow.

• Hot or Cold Flashes: Sudden changes in body temperature.

• Numbness or Tingling: Often in the hands, feet, or face.

• Fear of Losing Control: Feeling like you might faint, go crazy, or die.

6. Social Anxiety Symptoms:

• Fear of Judgement: Intense worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations.

• Avoiding Social Situations: Avoiding or enduring social interactions with intense fear or anxiety.

• Physical Symptoms in Social Settings: Blushing, sweating, trembling, or a shaky voice during social encounters.

If these symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder, and seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor is recommended.

Contact us to learn more about assessment and treatment for anxiety.