30 Signs You Might Have Anxiety

1. Constant feeling of nervousness

Image source/Lehigh Valley Health NetworkA very good sign that you're suffering from anxiety is if you constantly have an overwhelming feeling of being nervous. Whether this is being out in public, or while scrolling through social media, being in a constant state or nervousness is not only very unhealthy, but it is a strong sign that you may have anxiety.

2. Excessive and unnecessary sweating

Image source/HealthAidDo you find yourself breaking out into random, but excessive burst of sweat? If you do, it may be a strong sign you're suffering from anxiety. Typically you're body sweats when under pressure, but if you're not under pressure, and you're just taking part in your normal everyday life you shouldn't be bursting out into sweats. However, just because you may be warm, it doesn't mean you definitely have anxiety!

3. You're having trouble sleeping

Image source/NPRIt is very common for a person with anxiety to have severe trouble getting off to sleep, as well as staying asleep. Having something constantly running through your mind causing you to lose sleep is a serious sign that you're suffering with anxiety. The resultant sleep deprivation will only continue to make your situation worse, so make sure you seek help as soon as possible.

4. A relentless feeling of impending danger

Image source/HealthlineA nasty, but unfortunately common sign of having anxiety is a constant fear of being in danger. People with anxiety typically can't feel safe in public, and it's usually down to an uncontrollable, irrational fear that somebody or something is after them. It's hard to pin down to one thing, but being in a constant state of worry about your safety is a good sign you have anxiety.

5. You have panic attacks

Image source/The MirrorProbably one of the most recognisable physical signs you're suffering from anxiety is having panic attacks. Panic attacks produce an overwhelming and highly intense sensation of fear which can be extremely debilitating. If they are occurring frequently for you then you must get checked out!

6. Hyperventilating

Image source/Positive Mind WorksExcessive amounts of stress and anxiety commonly leads to hyperventilating. The overwhelming feeling of fear and lack of safety can cause a shortness of breath, which very easily escalates to hyperventilation. Suffering with frequent hyperventilation can be a very clear sign you have anxiety.

7. Fatigue

Image source/CACIApart from potentially suffering from lack of sleep, those that sleep well and have an adequate amount of sleep can still suffer from anxiety. If you're sleeping well but are still constantly fatigued throughout the day, you could be suffering from anxiety. Anxiety can be emotionally exhausting, and can easily drain you of your energy.

8. You're easily irritable

Image source/Envato ElementsIt is no shock to hear now that anxiety causes you to be on edge - a lot. So if yourself or a close friend is becoming very snappy and is easily irritated, its worth considering whether they or yourself is suffering from anxiety. This symptom can be extremely detrimental to whoever's social life, and is much better to be solved immediately.

9. Trembling and shaking

Image source/Medical News TodayThe stress typically caused by anxiety can make your limbs shake uncontrollably, especially your hands. These types of tremors are different to the ones which people suffering from Parkinson's typically have. Tremors from anxiety are generally due to a constant state of panic, which increases adrenaline and the fight-or-flight response.

10. You're concentration is poor

Image source/Pulsar GamingFind yourself struggling to concentrate a lot? We're not saying you have anxiety but there's every reason you could. Anxiety can cause you serious worry and occupy your mind very easily, which as a result makes you very prone to distractions. Anxious thoughts can make procrastination easy as well.

11. Agoraphobia

Image source/Good TherapyAgoraphobia is just a technical way of saying afraid of public places and interacting with others. If the thought of being a crowded place, or even just leaving the house causes you immense distress, there's a very high chance that you're suffering from Anxiety.

12. Muscle aches

Image source/Medical News TodayMuscle and joint pain can be caused by tension. Anxiety will cause your muscles to tense up, which as a result will lead to pain and stiffness across your body. In addition, constant stress and worry can increase inflammation in your body, which can lead to a range of complications including joint pain.

13. You dislike your appearance

Image source/Declutter The MindIf you find yourself constantly criticising the way you look, whether it's how thick your waist is or how skinny your arms are, there's a good chance you're suffering from anxiety. People with anxiety often feel like everyone is staring at them, this is often due to an insecurity in their appearance.

14. You're a perfectionist

Image source/Discovery Mood & Anxiety ProgramAnxiety disorder and being a perfectionist often go hand in hand with each other. If you find yourself constantly critiquing yourself or always nervous about things not being perfect, then this is a good sign you may have anxiety. No matter how small it may seem, if something not being perfect makes you extremely uncomfortable then you likely have anxiety.

15. You anticipate the worse

Image source/Scientific AmericanMost people are either described as a "glass half full" or a "glass half empty" kind of person. If you're a "glass half empty" person, who struggles to see the positives in things, there's a good chance you're showing signs of anxiety. Those suffering with anxiety typically expect the worse from situations and will plan for the wort possible outcome.

16. Feelings of derealization

Image source/The DP ManualDo you ever just feel that the world around you is just lifeless, that it is somewhat unreal? If you do, this feeling is known as derealization and is a common sign of anxiety. Anxiety can cause you to feel extremely empty, which consequently makes the world around you feel very meaningless.

17. Digestive discomfort

Image source/Harvard HealthSeveral digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), all have been shown to have a strong link to chronic stress and anxiety. Anxiety has also shown some correlation to an increase in symptoms of food intolerances and sensitivities in some people.

18. Flashbacks

Image source/YouMeMindBodyMost people associate having flashbacks to people who've experienced previous severe trauma, however, flashbacks can also occur due to anxiety. If somebody finds a certain task very stressful and uneasy, for example public speaking, they may continue to have repeated flashbacks of a time they really struggled with it.

19. You start cancelling plans

Image source/Overcomers CounsellingIf a close friend is frequently cancelling plans, you may want to look out for them, as they could be suffering from anxiety. Suffering from anxiety can completely put you off social events, whether it's a fear of being judged by others or a fear of spending money. Either way, it is extremely damaging and harmful.

20. Your memory can worsen

Image source/BBCAnxiety can cause your mind to become foggy and your thinking becomes unclear. As a result this can significantly worsen your memory due to your brain being in a constant state of stress. Your mind is so occupied on what's making you anxious that it doesn't have to capacity to remember certain things.

21. You over consume alcohol

Image source/The IndependentSuffering from anxiety is not only devastating, but it can be difficult to come to terms with. A sign that you're struggling with the disorder is excessive consumption of alcohol. This for some is the only way to cope with the stress and can be a good sign that somebody is struggling with not only anxiety, but any form of mental health.

22. You have specific phobias

Image source/MIT NewsNot everyone suffering from anxiety has a generalised form of it. If you find yourself with an intense phobia around a certain situation, then you have anxiety! This can range vastly from flying on a plane to going to the dentist, either way these phobias can be controlling and extremely detrimental.

23. You bite your nails

Image source/WikipediaBiting your nails can be a very obvious sign that you're suffering from anxiety. For many of you it may just be a guilty habit you do when nervous, but biting your nails over a prolonged period of time can be a clear sign you're suffering from anxiety.

24. You start losing weight

Image source/HealthlineIf you start to notice a sudden drop in your weight, you could potentially be suffering with anxiety. Due to the severe stress caused by anxiety, it can easily take over your mind and prevent you from feeling hungry. As a result, you will begin to notice a significant weight drop.

25. You feel you have to please people

Image source/LonerWolfWhen suffering with anxiety, you constantly feel that you need to please people. This is likely due to lack of self esteem, and feeling that people will judge you if you're not constantly trying to please them. So if you find your self constantly looking for others approval, you could be showing signs of suffering with anxiety.

26. You have a history of trauma

Image source/Frontiers BlogHaving suffered from previous traumas, you are instantly at a much greater risk of developing anxiety - if you haven't already! It's pretty clear from research that experiencing a traumatic event will significantly increase the likelihood of developing chronic stress and eventually anxiety.

27. Your mouth can go dry

Image source/The MirrorIf you're suffering from anxiety, your nervous system can go into overdrive. As a result of this, one side effect is a dry mouth. This symptom occurs as the brain believes you're in danger and is preparing for a threat, so your blood moves to your muscles which consequently makes your mouth dry.

28. You over apologise

Image source/NBC NewsIt's easy when suffering with anxiety to avoid any situation of discomfort. This however can often lead to you becoming over apologetic just to try and eliminate any kind of distress. A lot of the time, people with anxiety are typically apologising for insignificant things.

29. You crave junk food

Image source/HealthlineWhen suffering with anxiety, it's easy to find comfort in things like junk food. The high sugar and fatty foods can give you short bursts of energy which your body is depleted of when you're suffering from severe stress. For some people anxiety stops them from eating, in this case it works the opposite.

30. You have a hard time feeling good

Image source/Power of PositivityEveryone does things that make them feel good, whether thats playing their favourite sport and driving a fast car. If all of a sudden doing what you love doesn't seem to please you, you may be suffering with anxiety. Anxiety messes with your brain's pleasure centers and makes it difficult to feel enjoyment.