Feeling anxious every once in a while and having an anxiety disorder are two very different things. When you have an anxiety disorder, you can become fixated on a thought or feeling that leads you down a rabbit hole of anxious thoughts. While there are different types of anxiety disorders, a common thread between them all is that it interferes with your daily life. Here are four signs that may signal you are dealing with an anxiety disorder.
1. Your Anxious Thoughts Don’t Go Away
When you have an anxiety disorder, you often become incredibly anxious in situations where others might only get a little anxious, like during family gatherings. This anxiety also tends to last longer and is more persistent. When your anxious thoughts start to impact your daily life, that’s when it becomes an issue.
2. Your Anxiety Manifests Itself Physically
Anxiety isn’t just in your head—it can affect your body, too. Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, a racing heart, sweating, or even stomach issues are common when dealing with anxiety. If your body is in a constant state of alert, it might be because your anxiety is manifesting itself physically.
3. You Avoid Situations to Escape Anxiety
Do you find yourself avoiding social events, work responsibilities, or everyday tasks because of fear or worry? Avoidance is a major sign of an anxiety disorder. It’s normal to feel apprehensive in certain situations, but when avoidance starts to interfere with your life, it’s important to address the root cause.
4. Your Sleep is Affected
Anxiety and sleep are often closely linked. Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless nights due to racing thoughts may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Sleep is essential for mental and physical health, and when anxiety disrupts it, the effects can compound, making it harder to function during the day.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
Sometimes, anxiety can be managed on your own with practices like meditation, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and grounding techniques such as deep breathing or journaling. These methods can help reduce stress and give you tools to handle anxious feelings when they arise.
However, if your anxiety persists or begins to interfere with your daily life, relationships, or ability to function, it’s important to know that professional treatment is available—and there’s no shame in seeking help.
Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, and even medications can make a world of difference when anxiety becomes too overwhelming to manage alone. Many people find that a combination of self-care and professional guidance is the key to breaking the cycle of anxiety.
It’s important to remember that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you try relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, or professional counseling, taking that step to regain control of your life is a powerful move toward healing.
How do you manage your anxiety? Have you tried techniques like meditation or journaling? Share what has worked for you!