10 common symptoms of anxiety that most people experience

If you have been diagnosed with anxiety, you probably know what it feels like to go through an “anxiety attack” or just having anxiety symptoms throughout the day. 

If you have NOT been diagnosed, this is NOT meant to be a diagnosis. But it may enlighten you to maybe talk to a Doctor or Therapist about your feelings/symptoms, and maybe get some professional help. 

Remember, we are always looking to get 1% better. 

So, let’s get started, shall we? 

10 “common” symptoms of anxiety:

1. Increased heart rate
2. Sweating
3. Excessive worrying/tension
4. Irritability
5. Sleep problems
6. “Tunnel vision”
7. Fearing the worst
8. Restlessness 
9. Tiredness/Weakness
10. Upset Stomach

I know, these look like a lot of fun, huh? 

Trust me, (and those around you who have anxiety) nothing about anxiety is “FUN”. We just get used to the symptoms over time or learn coping mechanisms to get past them, even if it’s just for a few minutes. 

There are plenty more uncommon symptoms of anxiety as well. These are just the main ones that seem to pop up for most people.

This list is NOT to be confused with PANIC ATTACKS. That’s a whoooooole different realm of anxiety that we may go into at a later date. (Panic attacks are more severe)

Anyway, I know I personally have experienced every single one of these symptoms. 

Google doesn’t show it, but I added “tunnel vision” to the list because I personally experience this often when I go to public events, stores, anywhere where a lot of people may be gathered. 

“Tunnel vision” to me, is when I’m walking through a store, and the edges of my vision get dark, and all I can see through is a “tunnel” of vision. 

It makes me feel very out of control and “spacey” when this happens. It makes navigating stores hard as well. Because I feel as though I don’t know where I am, and I just want to get out as fast as possible. 

As for the other symptoms – fast heart rate, sweating, worrying and fearing the worst, restlessness – all of those symptoms can make you feel out of control. Trust me, I’ve been there. 

This is where professional help can come in. Over my teen/adult life, I’ve gone through it all. Therapy, coping mechanisms, and COUNTLESS medications, just to overcome my anxiety. I still haven’t found my “magic pill/magic wand” to get rid of it, but I’ve found ways to help cope. 

What are YOUR most common anxiety symptoms? Let me know! I’d like to know how everyone else feels/handles their anxiety.

If you have gone through the trials and tribulations of trying to cope with this cursed mental illness, I STRONGLY encourage you, as I will a lot in this blog, to KEEP GOING. It DOES get better. I promise. I’m 31 years old at the time of writing this. I started having panic attacks that led into general anxiety attacks when I was 15. And I am -still- not there yet. There is always hope. 

If you need help, and feel as though you have no one, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis hotline. They are available 24/7. 

In case you haven’t heard this week, you are loved, you are worthy, and you are not alone. 

xo, Kayla