How to Find Out Whether You Have Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms and is often mistaken for stress or depression. While stress is usually a reaction to a troubling situation that makes you feel overwhelmed or restless, and depression is persistent feelings of sadness and loneliness, anxiety is a different experience. So, what does anxiety actually look like? It may show up in subtle or unexpected ways, such as:

• Feeling the need to control situations, people, or outcomes
• Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, and rarely feeling well-rested
• Being constantly irritated, agitated, or on edge
• Frequently arguing, challenging others, or feeling combative
• Setting unrealistic expectations for yourself—always needing to be the best at school or work
• Avoiding regular responsibilities like school, work, or social events
• Experiencing recurring physical pain in the chest, stomach, or head with no clear cause
• Having difficulty concentrating or staying focused
• Becoming easily overwhelmed by surprises or changes in routine
• Feeling tearful or emotionally fragile, often without knowing why
• Obsessively planning or overthinking upcoming tasks and events
• Worrying excessively, even about small things

If you experience most of these signs, or if someone you know these signs, there's a good chance that you or someone you know may be dealing with anxiety. The good news is that anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. The first step is to reach out to a mental health professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and help you find the right treatment plan.

Remember: Self-awareness is important, but it doesn’t replace a clinical diagnosis. If you think anxiety is interfering with your life, seeking professional help is the best path forward.

I think these are really helpful tips. Normally, when I have anxiety I experience constant worry, racing thoughts, and trouble sleeping. My chest feels tight.

To find out if you have anxiety, pay attention to how you feel and act. Do you often feel restless, stressed, or worried about small things? Writing down your feelings and talking to a mental health professional can help you understand better.

I can so relate to these two struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, and rarely feeling well-rested. it does happen to me.even being constantly irritated, agitated, or on edge