Warning Signs

It’s important to recognize anxiety warning signs and seek help. There are some common anxiety symptoms and warning signs, but not all anxiety looks the same. Some people may even appear comfortable, relaxed, or outgoing while suffering silently on the inside or only in certain situations.

It’s normal to have some worry that comes and goes with the stresses of life. However, if you find yourself in a consistent state of uneasiness and fear, you may be experiencing anxiety that can impact school, work, and relationships. Anxiety is common and also very treatable. Recognize anxiety warning signs and then seek help.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Contrary to short-lived fears and stressors that come and go, people with this condition have a constant feeling of dread and excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday events and activities.

• Mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance
• Restlessness
• Feeling keyed up or on edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating

Panic disorder

A panic attack can happen abruptly and peak within minutes. Many people mistake it for a heart attack, as the symptoms are similar. Panic disorder occurs when someone experiences repeated and unexpected panic attacks with a persistent fear of having additional attacks.

• Racing Heart
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint
• Numbness or tingling
• Fear of dying

Social Anxiety Disorder

Also known as "social phobia," this condition can cause symptoms similar to those of other anxiety conditions; however, the hallmark feature is excessive or unrealistic fear of being negatively evaluated by others.

• Extreme fear or avoidance of social situations or enduring them with intense fear
• Excessive fear of being judged or embarrassed
• Excessive fear of rejection or offending others
• Fear is unrealistic or out of proportion to the actual situation

Getting the right diagnosis

Is Anxiety the Root Cause — or a Symptom?

While anxiety is often its own condition, symptoms of anxiety can be related to a physical health condition. For this reason, it is important to talk with your health care provider to rule out or address potential medical causes of symptoms.

Anxiety (and other mental health conditions) can also be part of, or exist alongside, another mental health condition. For this reason, careful assessment and accurate diagnosis is important.

If you have tried different methods of treating your anxiety and feel like nothing is working – or if there is uncertainty about your diagnosis, consider speaking to your provider about reevaluating your diagnosis or treatment plan. It may also be helpful to get a second opinion or seek additional assessment.