Have you ever felt like your mind won’t quiet down, like there’s a constant “what if” echoing in your head all day? Maybe your chest tightens for no reason, or you lie awake at night worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. As hard as you try to relax, to focus on your breathing, your heart still races, and your thoughts still spin out of control until it feels like you’re drowning in your own mind. 

Living with anxiety is exhausting, and even when no one can see it, the hollowness in your chest remains. You might smile through it and still show up daily, but beneath the surface, there’s a constant hum of fear, unease, and tension.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In 2023, 33% of adults in Ohio reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety. At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we understand how symptoms of anxiety can quietly take over your life. In this post, we’re going to explore symptoms of anxiety and how it manifests in your body, emotions, and daily life.

1. Excessive worry or fear: One of the most defining symptoms of anxiety is a constant, overwhelming sense of worry and fear that doesn’t go away, even when there’s no immediate threat. This is more than just everyday stress or concern; the fear is often irrational, lingering in the background.
2. Restlessness or feeling on edge: This can feel like inner agitation, like you’re constantly waiting for something to go wrong, even when there’s no clear reason. You might find it hard to sit still and feel jittery or uneasy throughout the day. This constant state of alertness can be mentally exhausting, making it difficult to relax.
3. Fatigue or feeling drained: Feeling fatigued is a common symptom of anxiety. Many people don’t realize that the constant mental stress, racing thoughts, and emotional tension that come with anxiety disorders can take a significant toll on the body.
4. Physical symptoms: Heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, muscle tension, sweating, and shortness of breath are all common experiences for people with anxiety disorders.
5. Racing thoughts: This is a hallmark symptom of anxiety disorders, and is often overwhelming and uncontrollable. It’s like your mind is stuck in overdrive, jumping from one worry to the next without pause.
6. Sleep disturbances: Having difficulty sleeping can be frustrating. When your mind is filled with worry, fear, or racing thoughts, it can be difficult to relax enough to fall asleep or sleep through the night. You might lie in bed for hours, your thoughts looping endlessly, or wake up in the early hours with a pounding heart and an overwhelming sense of dread.
7. Avoiding situations or places that trigger anxiety: This is a common coping mechanism, but over time, it can become all-consuming and isolating. You might start avoiding social events, crowded places, driving, or attending work or school, because the fear or discomfort is too intense. In the moment, avoidance can bring a sense of relief, but over time, it often reinforces anxiety.
8. Difficulty concentrating: When your mind is constantly flooded with worries, fears, or what-if scenarios, it can be challenging to focus on daily tasks. You might find yourself reading the same sentence over and over again, forgetting simple details, or zoning out in the middle of conversations.

Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous or stressed; it can take many forms, each with its own set of challenges and symptoms. From excessive, uncontrollable worry to sudden panic attacks or intense fear in social settings, anxiety disorders affect people in different ways. Understanding the various types of anxiety disorders is an important step toward recognizing what you or a loved one may be experiencing. The different types of anxiety disorders include:

Anxiety disorders don’t have a single cause, they often develop from a mix of factors that increase a person’s vulnerability over time. Genetics can play a role, especially if there’s a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions. Environmental factors, such as trauma, abuse, chronic illness, or significant life changes, can also contribute. Personality traits like being highly sensitive, perfectionistic, or prone to overthinking may make someone more susceptible. Additionally, prolonged exposure to stress can impact how the body and mind respond to anxiety. 

Understanding these risk factors doesn’t mean anxiety is inevitable, it means we can better recognize individuals who are more at risk and ensure they get the support they need. 

Anxiety doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone. However, certain factors increase a person’s risk of developing anxiety disorders. Genetics can play a significant role, as having a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions can make someone more prone. Environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate anxiety. In addition, life changes and ongoing stressors, like work pressure, relationship problems, or financial issues, can also contribute to the onset of anxiety.

Managing anxiety can feel overwhelming at times, but there are practical tools and strategies that can help you regain control and find relief. While everyone’s experience with anxiety is different, some approaches have proven to be highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being. 

1. One of these powerful tools is mindfulness. Mindfulness involves staying in the present moment, rather than getting lost in worries or what-ifs. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or body scans can help calm the mind and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective, evidence-based approach for anxiety management. CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, replacing them with healthier, more realistic thoughts. Learning to reframe anxious thoughts can gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of anxiety symptoms. 
3. Incorporating physical activity into your routine is also key. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help manage anxiety and stress. Another helpful tool is establishing a routine. Anxiety thrives in uncertainty, so creating a structured, daily schedule can bring a sense of predictability and calm. 
4. Lastly, reaching out to your support system is essential. Talking to a therapist, trusted friend, or family member can provide valuable perspective and emotional support. 

Diagnosing an anxiety disorder typically begins with a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. During this process, the clinician will take a detailed history of your symptoms. They may ask about any triggers, past experiences, and family history of anxiety or any other mental health conditions. 

While there are no blood tests or physical exams to diagnose, healthcare providers often rely on standardized screening tools or questionnaires to assess your symptoms. These tools help identify patterns of anxiety that align with specific anxiety disorders. It’s important to be open and honest during this evaluation, as a clear understanding of your experience is crucial to finding the right treatment. 

Living with anxiety can feel isolating and debilitating, but recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward finding relief. Whether you experience racing thoughts, physical symptoms, or emotional challenges, know that anxiety is a treatable condition. With the right tools, therapy, and support, you can regain control of your life and manage your symptoms effectively.

At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we solve unmet needs by providing compassionate anxiety treatment for those living with an anxiety disorder. We provide no-cost care assessments, ensuring that everyone has access to the treatment they need. Our team is here to support you on your journey to healing. Take the first step today and call us at 614-706-2786.

SUN Behavioral Health: Solving Unmet Needs