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10 Signs Anxiety May Be Taking Up More Space Than You Realise
Many people don't say, "I think I have anxiety". They say, "I just don't feel like myself anymore". Anxiety is not always panic attacks. Sometimes it shows up as overthinking, emotional overwhelm, exhaustion or feeling disconnected from yourself and the people around you. Explore the quieter signs of anxiety, burnout and the coping mechanisms we often turn to, and discover how counselling may help you understand what's happening beneath the surface.
Jessica Reynolds
6/12/20263 min read
When people think about anxiety, they often picture panic attacks or feeling nervous before a big event.
But anxiety is not always loud. Sometimes it creeps into everyday life so gradually that you don't even realise how much energy it is taking from you. Many people I work with don't come to counselling saying, "I have anxiety". They say:
"I can't switch off"
"I'm exhausted"
"I don't feel like myself anymore"
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
1. Your mind never really switches off.
You finally get into bed, hoping for an early night, and suddenly your mind is full of conversations, worries and endless "what ifs".
You replay things you said three days ago. You think about tomorrow before today has even finished. Even when your body is tired, your mind keeps going.
2. You've noticed yourself relying on coping mechanisms.
Perhaps you've started having an extra glass of wine to relax.
Maybe you lose hours scrolling on your phone, binge-watching television or keeping yourself constantly busy.
Sometimes people comfort eat or not eat at all.
Others avoid people altogether.
Often these coping mechanisms are not about weakness. They are simply ways we have learned to get through difficult feelings.
3. You don't always feel fully present.
Have you ever driven somewhere and realised you hardly remember the journey? Or found yourself in a conversation and suddenly noticed you haven't taken in a single word?
When life feels overwhelming, it can feel as though your mind checks out for a while just to give you a break.
4. Things you used to enjoy don't feel the same.
You still go out.
You still see friends.
You still do the hobbies you used to love.
But it feels as though something is missing. The enjoyment isn't quite there, and you cannot remember the last time you felt genuinely excited about something.
5. You feel tired all the time.
Not the sort of tired that a good night's sleep fixes. The sort of tired that sits in your body and makes even small tasks feel like hard work. Sometimes carrying anxiety for a long time can leave us feeling emotionally and physically exhausted.
6. Your body feels like it is holding onto stress.
You might notice headaches, neck pain, tense shoulders, jaw clenching or an upset stomach. Our bodies often tell us that something is not right before we are able to put it into words ourselves.
7. Your dreams feel intense or unsettling.
Some people describe dreaming about being chased, drowning, running away or trying to escape something they cannot quite see.
Dreams do not always have a simple meaning, but they can sometimes reflect how overwhelmed or under pressure we are feeling.
8. You want to escape.
You find yourself thinking: "I just want to get away" or "I wish I could disappear for a while".
Often people do not actually want to leave their lives behind. They simply want a break from carrying everything they have been carrying for so long.
9. You keep telling everyone that you're "fine".
You are the one who gets on with things.
The one who supports everyone else.
The one who says, "I'll be okay".
But inside, you feel lonely, overwhelmed or as though nobody really knows how much you are struggling.
10. You don't feel like yourself anymore.
Sometimes this is the hardest feeling to put into words. From the outside, everything might look much the same. You still go to work, look after the people you care about and keep up with the day-to-day demands of life. But inside, you feel different. You might feel emotionally numb, disconnected or as though you're simply going through the motions.
You don't have to wait until you're at breaking point.
Many people live with anxiety for months or even years before they reach out for support. They often believe they should be coping better or that other people have it worse.
In my counselling work, I commonly support people experiencing anxiety, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion. Often, our work is not just about managing the anxiety itself, but gently exploring what may be sitting underneath it.
Sometimes anxiety is protecting us from old hurts, difficult experiences or fears that have never really had the chance to be understood.
Counselling can offer a safe, confidential space to slow down, make sense of what is happening and begin to understand the root of what you are carrying.
If any part of this blog resonated with you and you feel ready to take that first step, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call. You can get in touch via the contact form on my website or reach out on:
Email: reynoldscounselling@outlook.com
Phone: 07459150349
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