Ways to Recognize Anxiety in Yourself and Others

For many people, feelings of anxiety can be overwhelming. It’s one thing if you feel anxious from time to time—but how do you tell the difference between feeling anxious and dealing with an anxiety disorder? Symptoms of anxiety can interfere with your life if you experience them on a regular basis, or they can make you feel uncomfortable even in doses. By recognizing when you’re experiencing anxiety, you can determine its impact on your day-to-day routine. Here are a few questions to ask yourself or a loved one. While it’s not a foolproof “anxiety screener,” it can help you identify your anxiety and better understand when it may be time to seek help…

1. Is your excessive worry interfering with your daily functioning?
One of the most commonly seen symptoms of anxiety is excessive worry. It is normal to experience worry in certain situations. However, when the worry becomes excessive and interrupts your ability to accomplish tasks, it may be time to see help.

2. Are you unable to concentrate? Do you leave tasks incomplete?
Finding difficulty in concentrating can be especially frustrating, as it can impact our work day or your school day. If you’re struggling to remain on task, if you can’t seem to keep your focus, or if your productivity is suffering, it may be time to address the issue with a mental health professional.

3.  Are you struggling to sleep at night, leaving you feeling fatigued throughout the day?
Sleep disturbances are commonly found in those who struggle with anxiety. This issue oftentimes affects your ability to feel rested throughout the day. As a result, it can impact your daily functioning. If you’re struggling to get to sleep at night, it is possible that anxiety may be the underlying cause.

4.  Are your feelings of irritability or agitation intensifying or manifesting physically?
When you’re feeling anxious, part of your sympathetic nervous system responds as if it is in danger. You may begin to feel physical symptoms of anxiety including a racing heart rate, a tightened chest, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be especially uncomfortable and may be a warning sign to seek assistance.
 

If you or a loved one is feeling regularly impacted by anxiety, it might be time to ask for help. Anxiety is completely normal in doses; in fact, it helps you learn and grow! However if you notice yourself experiencing anxiety so often that it’s interfering with your daily activities, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. Ask yourself or your child the questions listed above and if applicable, take the first step in getting the help that’s needed to have an improved quality of life.