5 Subtle Signs of Anxiety
When most people think of anxiety, they picture someone pacing the floor, biting their nails, or in the middle of a full-blown panic attack. And sure - that can happen. But anxiety doesn’t always come with flashing neon lights. Sometimes it sneaks in wearing a disguise, and you might not even realize it’s pulling the strings.
Here are 5 subtle signs of anxiety you might be overlooking:
1. Trouble Concentrating or “Brain Fog”
Ever read the same sentence three times and still have no idea what it said?
That’s not just being scatterbrained. Anxiety has a way of hijacking your focus. Your brain is so busy running through every possible “what if” scenario that there’s no room left for what’s actually in front of you.
2. Physical Tension You Don’t Notice
Anxiety doesn’t just live in your mind - it camps out in your body. Maybe your shoulders are permanently glued to your ears, your jaw is sore from clenching, or your stomach feels like it’s training for the Olympics.
The tricky part? Many of us get so used to the tension that we don’t notice it’s even there until someone points it out (or until we get that “why does my back always hurt?” moment).
3. Irritability or Restlessness
Sometimes anxiety doesn’t look like worry - it looks like snapping at your partner over the dishes or feeling like you want to crawl out of your own skin.
You’re not “mean” or “too sensitive.” Your nervous system is simply on overdrive, and it’s trying to let you know it needs a break.
4. Sleep Struggles
You’re finally in bed, ready to rest, and then your brain decides it’s the perfect time to replay that embarrassing thing you said five years ago. Classic anxiety move.
Whether it’s trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night with racing thoughts, anxiety loves to show up when the world is quiet and there’s nothing else to distract you.
5. Overthinking Everyday Decisions
Should you have pasta or salad for dinner? Wear the blue shirt or the green one? Why does it feel like choosing a Netflix show is harder than filing taxes?
Anxiety often shows up as decision fatigue - spending way too much time second- guessing simple choices or needing reassurance for things that “should” feel easy.
So What Now?
If you recognized yourself in any of these signs, you’re not broken, dramatic, or “just bad at handling stress.” You’re human - and your nervous system is doing its best to protect you, even if it’s a little overzealous about it.
The good news: anxiety doesn’t have to run the show.
Therapy is a place where you can learn practical tools (like grounding skills, nervous system resets, and healthier thought patterns) to feel more in control and less weighed down by constant overthinking.
