3 Sneaky Ways Anxiety Shows Up & What To Do About It

Call it a short fuse, bad temper, or just an awful day. Maybe it’s stress about the pandemic or a conflict at home that’s making you extra grouchy these days. Whatever the reason, anger seems to come over you in waves sometimes crashing down and destroying your world.

You don’t understand why you’re feeling this way.
Why you are so on edge?
You’d like the unexplained anger to surpass.

You’re not alone!

Anxiety affects an estimated 40 million people in the U.S. alone. It can also affect the way we think about things especially during a global pandemic. When you are anxious, every situation can feel like a perceived threat. Your mind can take you to the ‘worst-case scenario’ regularly.

In some cases, anxiety can leave you feeling physically uncomfortable or tense. It’s also debilitating for those who suffer from more serve levels of anxiety that cause physical sensations like feeling sick, or tightness in your chest.

The truth is, anxiety can present itself in many ways and bring you down. Watch out for these sneaky signs that anxiety is showing up in your life.

You Are Feeling More Tired Than Usual

One sneaky thing about anxiety is that it’s naturally tiring. Constant and excessive worry can cause your energy levels to go up…and crash down. This vicious cycle of fatigue and anxious thinking can impact the way feel and function.

Many people with severe stress and anxiety are also prone to sleeping problems. Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night? Do you have trouble falling asleep? All of these disturbances add up in a big way and make it hard for you to focus and stay alert throughout the day.

Things like eliminating technology and stimulation (i.e. caffeine) before bed can help. Some people will find relief from meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. If anxiety is affecting your sleep quality, it’s important to reach out for support as medication and psychotherapy might help you find restful night again

You Get Angry Or Frustrated Easily

People who suffer from anxiety might find themselves getting easily frustrated or just generally on edge. This anger may be directed at yourself or others. Anxiety can cause you to overthink things and become more self-critical. Maybe you feel like you’ve been falling short. Perhaps you are focusing on physical appearance too much and filling your mind with negative self-talk. Or you might find yourself snapping at your partner more than usual.

Unfortunately, untreated anxiety can turn into anger that stems from an underlying fear about something. The cause of anxiety is complex and sometimes hard to pinpoint which can leave someone feeling even more frustrated.

​There are several possible causes of anxiety that aren’t fully understood. Life experiences, such as traumatic events, seem to trigger anxiety disorders in people who may be more susceptible,” said Dr. Joshua Flatow, the lead psychiatrist at Pacific Mind Health.

You’re Always Busy, But You Can’t Get Things Done

Another sneaky sign of anxiety is lack of focus. Do you often find yourself starting a million things but never really scratching anything off of your list? Poor time management, low productivity, and difficulty prioritizing can all be signs that your anxiety is getting worse.

​Anxiety disorders can encompass many other psychiatric conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and ADHD. It’s important to remember that anxiety disorders are not just reserved for people who tend to worry a lot. Anyone can develop an anxiety disorder. There are a number of factors that come into play including your environment, upbringing, genetics, and chemical imbalances in the brain.

Find Relief From Your Symptoms At Pacific Mind Health

The good news is that anxiety disorders can be managed effectively in most cases. With the right treatment plan, it’s possible to lead a very successful and fulfilling life despite your anxiety. There’s no reason to suffer! Treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Like any medical condition, the sooner you can start treatment for an anxiety disorder, the better. The longer it goes without getting help, the more severe your condition can become.

There are many great treatment options available including medication, therapy, alternative treatments, and self-help options. We’re here to help! Schedule a consultation today.