Hidden Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

Have You Ever Experienced Anxiety? Understanding the Hidden Struggles

You might think you’ve never experienced anxiety, but it can manifest in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. People experience anxiety differently, and your perception might not align with how you personally experience it. Anxiety can also affect those who suffer from it in private, making it less noticeable to others. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach others with kindness, as you may not know what they are dealing with alone.

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, remember that you’re not alone. Anxiety is a normal part of life, serving as an alert system for potential dangers and helping us prepare for various situations. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), anxiety becomes a disorder when it significantly impacts daily functioning and various aspects of life.

Here are five things people with anxiety often do in private:

1. Overthink Everything

Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive worry and fear that interfere with daily activities. This overthinking happens both when people are alone and when they’re with others. Those who struggle with anxiety often replay past events in their minds, contemplating what they could have done differently. They also tend to imagine possible future scenarios, trying to anticipate what might go wrong. This relentless cycle of overthinking can be exhausting and is a common hidden struggle for many with anxiety.

2. Stick to Their Comfort Zone

While everyone experiences occasional anxiety, those with anxiety disorders often adjust their lives to avoid triggering situations. They may engage in activities that soothe their racing thoughts or avoid new experiences to prevent anxiety. For example, they might re-watch the same TV shows repeatedly because they already know what to expect, reducing anxiety about potential outcomes. Some may even find it difficult to leave their homes due to fear of situations where escape might be challenging, or they may rely on the presence of a trusted person to feel safe.

3. Withdraw from Social Interactions

Anxiety can significantly limit a person’s social life. They might decline invitations not due to disinterest, but because staying home helps them manage their worries and fears. The fear of humiliation, rejection, or judgment can lead to social withdrawal. People with anxiety may avoid phone calls or ignore notifications to reduce their stress, only to feel overwhelmed later by the backlog of messages they’ve ignored.

4. Procrastinate and Struggle with Tasks

Even individuals who seem high-functioning and successful might struggle with procrastination due to anxiety. Their anxious thoughts can hinder their ability to complete tasks, affecting their working memory and focus. This often results in last-minute rushes to meet deadlines, adding to their stress. The struggle to get work done on time can be a significant source of anxiety.

5. Toss and Turn at Night

Anxiety doesn’t always present as overt nervousness. A person with anxiety might appear calm but could be tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep due to racing thoughts. Even if they do manage to sleep, it might be restless or disturbed by nightmares related to their anxieties. For instance, someone with separation anxiety disorder might have distressing dreams about being apart from loved ones.

Anxiety disorders are complex and varied, but experiencing some level of anxiety is normal. Anxiety becomes a disorder when it causes significant distress or impairment in different life areas. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is essential.