What Anxiety Really Looks Like: 5 Signs You Might Be Missing

When most people think of anxiety, they imagine full-blown panic attacks, racing hearts, shortness of breath, the overwhelming feeling that something terrible is about to happen. But anxiety doesn’t always show up that loudly.

Sometimes, anxiety is a quiet hum in the background. A feeling that something’s just not right, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it. And because of that, many people walk around carrying anxiety they don’t realize they have.

Let’s talk about five common signs of anxiety that often go unnoticed:

1. Overthinking Everything

Do you find yourself running through every possible scenario before making a decision, big or small? Do you replay conversations in your head, wondering if you said the “wrong” thing?

This kind of mental looping is a subtle form of anxiety. It’s your brain trying to protect you, but it can leave you feeling exhausted and stuck.

2. Irritability That Seems to Come From Nowhere

Anxiety doesn’t always feel like fear, it can feel like frustration, snappiness, or being “on edge.” If you’re finding that your fuse is shorter than usual, especially over small things, anxiety might be quietly working behind the scenes.

3. Trouble Sleeping

Lying awake at night with a restless mind is often dismissed as stress or just being a “night owl.” But if your sleep struggles are ongoing, especially if your brain feels busy when you’re trying to rest, anxiety could be playing a role.

4. Feeling “Off” in Your Body

Sometimes anxiety shows up in our bodies before we even notice it in our thoughts. Maybe your stomach feels tense, your jaw is tight, or your chest feels heavy. If something just doesn’t feel quite right, especially if it keeps happening, it’s worth exploring.

5. Confusing Anxiety with Nervousness

It’s important to remember that some anxiety is completely normal. For example, going to a huge event like the New York State Fair, where there are crowds, loud music, heat, parking challenges, and constant stimulation, would make almost anyone feel overwhelmed.

That kind of situational anxiety is your body’s natural response. It doesn’t make you “too sensitive” or “abnormal.” But if you notice those feelings spilling into your everyday life, at work, at home, in quiet moments, that’s a sign something deeper might be going on.

You’re Not Alone, And You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

If something feels off in your body or your mind, and you're not quite sure why, that’s worth listening to. Anxiety doesn't always shout. Sometimes, it whispers.

Working with a therapist can help you gently unpack those feelings, understand what your body is trying to tell you, and find real tools to feel more grounded and in control.

If you're ready to explore what's going on beneath the surface, I’d love to work with you.