It is completely normal to feel anxious before a big presentation, a first date, or a major life change. That type of anxiety is temporary and tied to a specific event. However, when that feeling of dread sticks around long after the stressor has passed—or appears seemingly out of nowhere—it might be time to take a closer look.
If you are wondering whether your daily stress has crossed the line into a clinical anxiety disorder, here are five common signs to watch for, and what you can do about them.
1. Persistent, Uncontrollable Worry
The hallmark of anxiety is a constant hum of worry that feels impossible to turn off. You might find yourself “catastrophizing”—always imagining the absolute worst-case scenario, even for minor issues. This type of rumination is exhausting and can make it incredibly difficult to stay present in your daily life or enjoy time with your family.
2. Physical Symptoms (The “Body” of Anxiety)
Anxiety is not just in your head; it lives in your body. Because anxiety triggers your body’s “fight or flight” response, you may experience chronic physical symptoms without a clear medical cause. Common physical signs include:
- A racing heart or chest tightness
- Unexplained muscle tension (especially in the neck, jaw, or shoulders)
- Frequent stomachaches or digestive issues
- Shortness of breath
3. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
There is a massive overlap between anxiety and sleep issues. If your mind starts racing the second your head hits the pillow, anxiety is likely the culprit. This can quickly spiral into chronic insomnia, which leaves you exhausted the next day and even less equipped to handle your anxiety.
4. Avoidance Behaviors
When something makes us anxious, human nature dictates that we should avoid it. You might start canceling social plans, procrastinating on important work projects, or avoiding driving on the highway. While avoidance provides temporary relief, it actually reinforces the anxiety long-term, shrinking your world and keeping you trapped in a cycle of fear.
5. Difficulty Concentrating or “Brain Fog”
When your brain is using all its processing power to scan for potential threats, there is very little energy left for focusing on the task in front of you. You might find your mind going completely blank during conversations, struggling to read a book, or feeling completely burned out and stressed at work because everything takes twice as long to complete.
How to Get Help for Your Anxiety
Anxiety is incredibly uncomfortable, but it is also one of the most highly treatable mental health conditions. You do not have to just “white-knuckle” your way through life.
Through targeted anxiety treatment, we use evidence-based approaches to help you understand your specific triggers, calm your nervous system, and reframe the thought patterns keeping you stuck.
At Bedrock Psychology Group, we are dedicated to helping clients in Northbrook, Deerfield, and the surrounding communities find relief. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary introductory call and take the first step toward a calmer, more grounded life.
About the Author: Dr. Paul Losoff, PsyD Clinical Psychologist providing individual counseling in Northbrook, Illinois. He specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions through evidence-based therapeutic practices.
