Living with anxiety can feel like an invisible weight that’s always there, but not everyone sees or understands what’s going on beneath the surface.
For many people, it’s the small, everyday challenges that can be the hardest to manage. The worst part is that they often face them alone, making them all the more isolating. Even if they never talk about them, those who suffer with anxiety often deal with these tough experiences.
1. Overthinking every little interaction.
Even a simple conversation can become a minefield for someone with anxiety. They replay what they said, worry they might have offended someone, or overanalyse a harmless comment. It’s exhausting to second-guess every word, but it’s something they can’t easily switch off.
2. Avoiding phone calls at all costs
Source: Unsplash For someone with anxiety, the sound of a ringing phone can feel like an alarm. Making or answering calls often comes with the fear of saying the wrong thing or being put on the spot. Texts or emails feel safer, but the avoidance can make them feel disconnected from others.
3. Struggling to relax, even during downtime
Source: Unsplash Anxiety doesn’t take a break, so even moments of rest can feel tense. The mind races with thoughts about what needs to be done or what could go wrong. It’s hard to truly unwind when their brain doesn’t know how to switch off the “what ifs.”
4. Dreading social invitations
Source: Unsplash While they may want to be included, social events come with a whirlwind of worries—what to wear, what to say, and how to avoid awkward silences. The anxiety about the event often overshadows the event itself, leaving them feeling drained before they even arrive.
5. Feeling physically exhausted without doing much
Source: Unsplash Anxiety is a full-body experience, and the constant tension, rapid heartbeats, and racing thoughts can leave someone feeling wiped out. It’s a different kind of tired—one that sleep alone doesn’t fix. The physical toll of anxiety is one of its most underestimated struggles.
6. Over-preparing for everything
Source: Unsplash People with anxiety often overthink every possible scenario, which leads to over-preparation. They might bring multiple backups, rehearse conversations, or research endlessly before making a simple decision. While it helps them feel slightly more in control, it’s mentally exhausting.
7. Avoiding confrontation like the plague
Source: Unsplash Even the thought of an argument can send someone with anxiety into a spiral. They might agree to things they don’t want to do or stay silent about their feelings just to avoid conflict. While it keeps the peace temporarily, it often leaves them feeling resentful or unheard.
8. Worrying about worrying too much
Anxiety comes with a frustrating loop: worrying about being anxious. They might berate themselves for “overreacting” or fear that others see them as too emotional. Their self-criticism only adds another layer to their already overwhelming mental load.
9. Feeling misunderstood or dismissed
Hearing phrases like “just calm down” or “you’re overthinking it” can feel invalidating for someone with anxiety. It’s not that they don’t want to calm down—it’s that they physically and mentally can’t in the moment. The lack of understanding from other people can make them feel even more isolated.
10. Over-apologising for everything
From bumping into someone to expressing an opinion, people with anxiety often feel the need to apologise excessively. They worry they’ve inconvenienced someone or come across the wrong way, even when there’s no issue. The constant need to get reassurance can be exhausting.
11. Feeling guilty for cancelling plans
Sometimes the anxiety about an event is too overwhelming, and they decide to cancel. While it might bring immediate relief, it’s often followed by guilt for letting everyone down. The push-pull of wanting to participate but feeling unable to can be a constant battle.
12. Avoiding asking for help
Source: Unsplash Even when they’re struggling, people with anxiety often hesitate to ask for help. They might worry about being a burden or think their problems aren’t “big enough” to justify asking for support. So much self-silencing makes their struggles feel even lonelier.
13. Being hyper-aware of their surroundings
Source: Unsplash Anxiety often makes people feel like they’re on high alert all the time. They notice small details other people might miss, like someone’s tone of voice or the layout of a room. While their hypervigilance can be useful, it’s also exhausting to constantly scan for potential threats or discomforts.
14. Fearing judgement over everything
Whether it’s their appearance, their actions, or even their silence, people with anxiety often assume everyone is judging them. That fear can make even simple tasks, like ordering food or walking into a room, feel monumental. The weight of perceived judgement is something they carry daily.
15. Overthinking how they’re thought of at work or school
Source: Unsplash Anxiety doesn’t stop in professional or academic settings. They might replay interactions with colleagues or teachers, worrying they came across as unprofessional or incapable. The constant self-doubt can make an already stressful environment feel even more overwhelming.
16. Feeling anxious about feeling anxious
Source: Unsplash One of the cruellest parts of anxiety is how it feeds itself. The moment they notice their anxiety creeping in, they worry about how bad it will get, which often makes it worse. It’s a vicious cycle that leaves them feeling powerless and stuck in their own mind.
