11 Things People Don't Realize You Are Doing Because of Anxiety

Many people do not regard anxiety as a serious health issue, but it should never be ignored. It is of high importance to learn the effects of anxiety, as you can, therefore, help and understand those who live with it:

1. Feelings of mental and physical exhaustion when getting out of bed.

Anxiety lowers energy levels to a great extent, so I am often too tired to even get up in the morning. Anxiety debilitates me, so I just want to remain in bed, and therefore run away from the torture in my head.

2. When talking about the future, I might have a breakdown.

Anxious people often feel scared and frustrated when thinking or talking about future plans. I find the present hard to experience, so I am even more intimidated by the future.

3. Rewinding conversations in my head.

I constantly replay conversations in my head and try to find my mistakes. Due to this, I always avoid quarrels. Doing this is simply tiring and leads to feelings of guilt.

4. If I don’t receive a quick reply, I believe I’ve done something wrong.

In communication with other people, if someone does not reply on time, I start to worry I have made some mistake.

5. I obsess over trivial things other people do not even notice.

The mind of an anxious person can be processing a simple piece of information, like a glance or a word, for days. I am often obsessed with a past conversation, a text message, a tone of a sentence, etc.

6. I am obsessed with previous mistakes.

I experience real torture whenever I make a mistake, especially at work. I struggle to be perfect, and anxiety just makes it far worse.

7. Concerned with the worst case scenario.

Those living with anxiety may worry about the worst case scenario in every situation and do not enjoy the present moment. For example, I am simply sure things will go wrong, will be diagnosed with the most serious disease, dates will go terribly wrong and job interviews will be a huge failure.

8. Difficulties falling asleep but getting up early.

Anxiety doesn’t allow me to easily fall asleep. On the other hand, the anxiety clock ticks from early in the morning, and as soon as it wakes me up, I cannot stop thinking about things, and I cannot go back to bed.

9. When someone shows concern, I get even more worried.

If someone asks me if things are going well, I become worried, as I believe my inner struggle is clearly visible. I, therefore, become even more worried about my state.

10. I refuse invites, even though I want to go.

Sometimes, I might actually like to attend a certain event or go to a meeting as planned, but I have an anxiety attack and it drains all the energy from my body. Due to this, I simply cancel the whole thing.

11. I compare my success to others.

I am often obsessed with the success of my peers and wonder if I am even going to become successful and fulfilled.

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Getty Images photo via Volodina