Author: Heather
Category: Anxiety
Published Date: 08/16/2019
Comments: 41
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product using one of our affiliate links we will receive a small commission from your purchase which helps us to provide this website as a service to you for free. We appreciate your support!
I recently spoke about the things you shouldn’t say to those that suffer from anxiety, but what if you aren’t sure if they are actually suffering? You may be surprised by this, but according to the ADAA, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States, or 18.1% of the population every year. What this means is, someone, if not multiple people in your life, are suffering from some type of anxiety or depression. And they may be doing such a great job of hiding it, you don’t even realize it.
As someone that has suffered with both anxiety and depression for many years, I can tell you that there are signs that your loved one is suffering. While not everyone who exhibits these characteristics is having mental health issues, it’s quite possible that those who are, exhibit many of these characteristics as a result of their anxiety and/or depression.
If you ask my family and friends, they will probably tell you that they’ve witnessed me experience each of these symptoms at some point of my life. When my anxiety and depression is at its worst, I may experience all of them at once.
It’s important to mention that I am not a professional or a doctor. I’m just a Mom who speaks publicly about my struggles with anxiety and depression. These warning signs are largely based on my own experience. I’m hoping that they will help others to identify what may be happening to themselves or their loved one.
- Loss of Interest
- Lack of Urgency for Personal Hygiene
- Trouble Sleeping or Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating and/or Remembering
- Irritability
- Avoiding Social Gatherings or Crowds
- Worrying Excessively or Irrational Fears
- Guilt
Do any of these symptoms look familiar to you?
I am personally well aware of each symptom, as it’s happening, but my anxiety doesn’t allow me to do anything about it. In most cases, when I realize any of these are happening, I panic and it makes my anxiety even worse.
I often feel like a different person than I was before my anxiety and I don’t recognize myself. These feelings push me until I give in and take a personal day. Other times, when I know that I have a deadline or something that has to be done, I push through them, but usually find myself in bed for a full day afterward.
It’s important to remember that anxiety and depression is different for everyone. There is no easy fix. There is not one remedy that works for everyone. We all have to figure out what works for each of us and if it stops working, learn to adapt and make the necessary changes. The most important thing we can do is not ignore the signs.
While meds weren’t the answer for me, they do help a lot of people. For some, it’s a matter of changing their diet and their routine. For others, yoga and meditation are key. I haven’t found my magic combination yet, but I know I will. It’s a constant battle, but a battle that I will never stop fighting.
If you or a loved one needs help with mental health issues, please consult a physician.
Follow along on my journey with anxiety.
It’s really hard to admit that you have anxiety or depression. Sometimes it takes courage to say it. You have to be more strong about it.
You are absolutely right. Many times you don’t know someone else suffers from anxiety because they don’t announce it. I have dealt with PTSD since I was a youth and have rarely disclosed that to friends. But when a flare-up comes I recognize it from the loss of interest, fatigue, and irritability. If only others saw it and could act with more compassion… Thanks for raising awareness of this important issue.
I have a couple of loved ones that I need to keep an eye on because I know how straining anxiety can be. Some of them exude these signs and I want to be there for them!
So good to know these signs. Seems that for now I don’t have anyone in my family that suffers from anxiety and depression. But I know that it’s so easy to suffer from depression and almost everyone suffered at least once in his life!
Sometimes I feel like I’m having some anxiety. But not in a big level. Thank you for sharing this.
It is good to know the signs and symptoms so that we can help our loved ones. Depression is a tough thing.
Having these signs of depression and anxiety play a very helpful role in educating us all. We cannot prevent these conditions, but we can and should become aware of what they warning signs are.