Things you might not know is anxiety

Anxiety is more common than you think. I never knew I had anxiety when I was in High School, but looking back I think my anxiety was at its worst in my teen years. I remember panicking every time the school bell would ring for break or lunch. I would worry about who I would sit with, and whether I could find my friends easily. Some break-times I would hide in the toilets because I found socialising too exhausting. I hated it, I was so relieved when I left school.   

I wish 15-year-old me had seen this list, because I had no clue that what I was feeling was anxiety. If you identify with some of the things on this list then you may be experiencing Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which can be treated in various different ways.

It is normal to experience anxiety and every single person will feel anxious at some point in their life. Anxiety only becomes a problem when it interferes with your day-to-day life.

If someone you know has told you they feel this way, show them this post, if they find themselves identifying with a lot of these symptoms, then they may be able to get help.

READ MORE: How to cope with anxiety on a daily basis

Panicking when you have to make a phone call.

Getting sweaty palms and shakes when going into a room full of people.

Hiding in the supermarket when you bump into someone you know.

Being on your phone all the time.

Avoiding eye contact with people.

Fearing conversation.

Thinking you have to be perfect all the time.

Always being exactly on time, and fearing being early or late.

Thinking people are talking about you behind your back.

Fearing making any kind of mistake.

Not wanting to answer questions in large groups.

Feeling tired all of the time.

READ MORE: What you can do in nature to heal your anxious mind

Feeling like there is not enough time in the day.

Comparing yourself to others.

Don’t eat food in front of people.

Avoid everyday activities.

Feeling like crying all the time.

Hiding away on your own.  

Not being able to make a decision.

Procrastinating a lot.

Being regularly forgetful.

Being overwhelmed by choices.

Needing a lot of reassurance.

Lack of patience.

Not sleeping well or sleeping very lightly.

Feeling like an imposter when something good happens in your life.

Feeling like a burden on others.

Not leaving the house regularly.

Getting dressed multiple times.

Sleeping too much.

Over/ under-eating.

Lack motivation.

Don’t get enjoyment out the things you’ve always enjoyed.

Always checking social media.

Feeling like a failure when you haven’t got likes on social media.

Thinking and feeling like you’re alone.

READ MORE: 20 Quotes everyone with a mental illness should read