How Do I Know If I Have Anxiety? Signs and Symptoms That Might Surprise You

Hey, Can We Talk for a Second?

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve been wondering: “Do I have anxiety?”

Maybe you’re tired all the time. Maybe your chest feels tight. Maybe your thoughts won’t slow down, even when everything looks “fine” on the outside.

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks. Sometimes it’s quiet, sneaky, and hard to notice.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t feel panicky, but I definitely don’t feel okay,” this might be anxiety.

You’re not alone. These are real signs of anxiety.

What Are the Signs of Anxiety (That You Might Miss)?

Forget the stereotype of someone hyperventilating into a paper bag.
Anxiety can be so much quieter and trickier to spot.

In fact, many people with anxiety don’t even realize that’s what it is. They just feel off. Drained. On edge. Overwhelmed.

So let’s walk through it together. Gently and honestly.
Here are some real-life signs of anxiety you might not even know are anxiety.

1. Do you overthink everything?

Anxiety often shows up as constant overthinking.

That text you sent yesterday? You reread it 10 times.

That conversation from last week? You’re still replaying it in your head, wondering if you said the wrong thing.

It feels like your brain is stuck on “replay mode.”

This isn’t you being dramatic — it’s anxiety keeping you on high alert.

2. You’re tired, even when you sleep.

One hidden sign of anxiety is exhaustion, even when you’ve had a full night’s sleep.

You get your 7-8 hours. You’re not sick. But you wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.

Why? Because your nervous system has been ON, non-stop.

When your body doesn’t get true rest, tiredness becomes one of the clearest symptoms of anxiety.

3. Is anxiety making you avoid simple things?

Anxiety often shows up as avoidance. Not fear in the obvious sense.

You might delay simple things. Texting back. Going to the grocery store. Starting that task at work.

It’s not that you don’t care. It’s just… too much.

Avoidance is your nervous system saying, “This feels overwhelming, and I can’t handle more right now.”

This is one of the lesser-known symptoms of anxiety that people often miss.

4. Your Body Is Telling You Something (Physical Symptoms of Anxiety)

Anxiety doesn’t always show up as racing thoughts. Sometimes it speaks through your body.
You may notice:

• Tightness in your chest

• Jaw clenching for no clear reason

• Upset stomach or digestive issues

• Restless legs or body tension

These physical symptoms of anxiety are your body’s way of saying, “I don’t feel safe right now.”

So, recognizing these physical symptoms is the first step toward calming your nervous system.

5. Is People-Pleasing a Sign of Anxiety?

Anxiety can make it really hard to say no.
You might:

• Say yes when you want to say no

• Overcommit your time and energy

• Try to keep the peace, even when it drains you

This isn’t “just” people-pleasing. Often, it’s anxiety telling you: “If I let someone down, something bad might happen.”

Learning to set boundaries is a key step in healing anxiety.

6.  Can Anxiety Make You Cry or Snap Easily?

Yes. Anxiety can show up as sudden emotional outbursts.
You might:

• Cry over small things

• Snap at people you care about

• Feel anger or sadness come out of nowhere

This isn’t you being “too emotional.”
It’s your nervous system releasing pressure after holding in stress for too long.

7. You Feel Like Something’s “Wrong”... But Can’t Explain What

Maybe you feel it in your gut.
Maybe it’s a low-level buzz in the background.
Maybe it’s a sense of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

You look around and think,

“My life is okay... so why don’t I feel okay?”

It’s anxiety. That sneaky, quiet kind that lives under the surface, and convinces you it’s just “how you are.”

Anxiety Without Panic Attacks (High-Functioning Anxiety)

“But I Don’t Have Panic Attacks…”
Not everyone with anxiety has panic attacks.

Many people live with high-functioning anxiety instead. On the outside, you might look calm, capable, and successful. But inside, you’re carrying constant tension, overthinking, and exhaustion from holding it all together.

This form of anxiety often hides in plain sight. But it’s still anxiety, and it’s still valid.

What Can You Do If You Have Anxiety?

Take a breath. Right now.
In through the nose… out through the mouth.

You don’t need to fix everything today.
But recognizing the signs is the first step.

The good news is that Anxiety therapy can help. With the right support, you can learn how to calm your nervous system, reduce overthinking, and feel more in control of your life.

You’re Not Broken - You’re Wired for Survival

Read that again.

You’re not weak. You’re not dramatic. You’re not making it up.

Your body is doing its job. Trying to protect you the best way it knows how.

But now…
You can teach your body that it’s safe.
You can give it new tools.
You can unlearn the old patterns and create space for calm.

FAQs About Anxiety

1. How do I know if I have anxiety?
Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks. Signs can include overthinking, feeling tired even after sleep, avoiding daily tasks, or having physical symptoms like chest tightness, stomach issues, or restlessness.

2. Can anxiety go away on its own?
For some people, symptoms may lessen with time, but many find that anxiety keeps returning without support. Therapy can help you understand triggers, build coping skills, and find long-term relief.

3. What therapy helps with anxiety?
Anxiety therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms. It helps calm your mind and body, reduce overthinking, and teach you new tools to feel more in control of your life.

Anxiety Therapy in Plymouth, MI

If you’re ready to feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected, I can help.
I provide anxiety therapy in Plymouth, MI, and nearby areas like Northville, Novi, Canton, and Livonia.

In therapy, we’ll work together at your pace to:

• Reduce overthinking and worry

• Calm physical symptoms of anxiety

• Build healthier coping tools

• Help you feel more in control of daily life

You don’t have to keep pushing through on your own.
Anxiety therapy can help you take back your life. Let’s take the next step together.