- You bite your lips, even if it makes them bleed
- You practice speaking in your head before actually speaking
- You think of every possible worst case scenario ever (catastrophizing)
- You like things organized and freak out when things are misplaced
- You feel anger or rage a lot (that’s how anxiety manifests sometimes)
- Worrying is one of your hobbies
- Loud noises freak you out
- Uncertainty freaks you out
- Most everything freaks you out
- You have irrational fears but to you they are rational (mine is tornados and anesthesia)
- You have indigestion problems
- Your body is always tense
- You have panic/anxiety attacks
- You feel like you’re alone (but you’re not. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting about 40 million adults age 18 and order — that’s 18 percent of the population. Those area also outdated numbers pre-dating the pandemic)
- You doubt yourself
- You plan things out in advance to prevent uncertainty
- You could go to the Olympics for overthinking (called rumination)
- You’re a people pleaser
- You constantly need reassurance from loved ones
- Your self-esteem is low
- You always think people are mad at you
- You sweat a lot (me) or you’re cold all the time
- You have depression ( NAMI estimates that 60 percent of those with anxiety also have symptoms of depression, and the numbers are similar for those with depression also experiencing anxiety)
- You read random lists trying to figure out if you have anxiety, lol
Anxiety presents differently in people, so my list may be different from yours and that’s OK. There are also different anxiety disorders that I didn’t mention: generalized anxiety disorder (me), social anxiety disorder (also me), panic disorder and separation anxiety. You can have more than one, unfortunately. Everyone at some point experiences anxiety, but you need to seek help if it’s significantly interfering with your life.
This list is supposed to be lighthearted, but anxiety is serious and can make life difficult to get through the day. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please contact your primary care doctor, find a therapist, join a support group or talk to a trusted friend. You’re not alone.
Do you have anything to add to this list? Drop it in the comments. Stay in the light, my friends.
Please note that I am not a medical doctor and cannot diagnose anxiety through this blog.