6 Signs Someone Has an Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations—it helps you stay alert and respond to challenges. But when feelings of fear, worry, or unease become overwhelming and persistent, it may signal something more. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people, yet many struggle in silence, believing their symptoms are “just stress.” Recognizing the signs someone has an anxiety disorder is the first step toward getting help and finding relief. Let’s explore six key signs that indicate someone has an anxiety disorder and when it’s time to seek professional support.

1. Excessive Worry That Feels Uncontrollable

Anxiety disorders often cause people to worry incessantly about everyday situations. Unlike the normal concerns we all experience, this worry feels disproportionate to the reality of the issue—it may span minor daily tasks, hypothetical scenarios, or “what if” situations. For example, a person with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) might spend hours ruminating over whether they made the “right” decision about something as simple as where to park their car.

This overwhelming worry doesn’t just occupy the mind; it creates physical tension and emotional exhaustion. If you or someone you care about feels trapped in a cycle of endless worry that disrupts their daily life, it may be a sign of an underlying anxiety disorder. If you or a loved one is experiencing excessive worry, it may be one of the key signs that someone has an anxiety disorder that needs intervention. 

2. Avoidance of Certain People, Places, or Situations

Avoidance is a hallmark behavior of anxiety disorders. Whether it’s dodging social gatherings, new environments, or public speaking, a person with anxiety may go out of their way to avoid situations that make them feel out of control or uncomfortable. For someone with social anxiety, something as routine as attending a work meeting or making a phone call could feel paralyzing.

While avoiding triggering situations might offer temporary relief, it worsens symptoms in the long term. Avoidance limits opportunities for connection, growth, and confidence-building—ultimately shrinking the person’s world.

3. Physical Symptoms Without a Medical Cause

For many people, the body becomes a powerful amplifier for anxiety. Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, muscle tension, and stomach issues are just a few examples of physical symptoms that accompany anxiety disorders. Panic attacks, in particular, deliver physical distress so intense that people often fear they are having a heart attack.

One of the most challenging aspects of anxiety disorders is that these physical symptoms can occur without noticeable triggers, leaving individuals confused and frightened by what’s happening to their bodies. If these symptoms persist after common medical conditions are ruled out, anxiety could be the root cause.

4. Sleep Problems or Insomnia

The signs someone has an anxiety disorder can vary greatly, often confused with other conditions or health issues. Anxiety doesn’t switch off when the sun sets. For many, the nights are often the hardest part of the day. Racing thoughts, reliving stressful memories, or hyper-focusing on future worries can turn bedtime into a battleground. Sleepless nights lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating—all of which exacerbate anxiety.

Sleep problems become a vicious cycle: Anxiety keeps you awake, and lack of rest increases mental strain, making it even harder to manage stress during the day. If sleep disruptions persist despite trying healthy bedtime routines, consider anxiety as a potential factor.

5. Constant Feelings of Restlessness or Being “On Edge”

Living with anxiety can feel like constantly being on high alert, as though something bad might happen at any moment. You may feel restless, irritable, or unable to relax, regardless of what you try. Even minor inconveniences (a delayed email response, a misstep in your morning routine) can trigger a disproportionate emotional reaction.

This heightened state of arousal wears down the nervous system, leaving people stuck in a cycle of hypervigilance. Over time, it can affect how a person interacts at work, with loved ones, or in their community.

6. Difficulty Concentrating or Feeling Like Your Mind Is “Foggy”

Anxiety doesn’t just create physical and emotional exhaustion; it impacts cognitive function as well. Many people with anxiety describe feeling like their thoughts are on overdrive, yet also foggy or disorganized. Even routine tasks can feel overwhelming when overwhelmed by excessive worry or the mental load of avoiding triggers.

For example, a worker with anxiety may struggle to focus during a meeting, not because the content is too complex, but because their mind is racing with thoughts of worst-case scenarios. Over time, this difficulty concentrating can lead to reduced productivity and further feelings of frustration or failure, perpetuating the anxiety.

When to Seek Help if You Observe Signs Someone Has an Anxiety Disorder

There’s no “right” time to ask for help—seeking support is a deeply personal decision. However, certain signs can indicate it’s time to reach out for professional anxiety disorder treatment:

• When anxiety interferes with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or engage in daily activities.
• If you notice a pattern of avoidance that limits your enjoyment of life.
• When physical symptoms like fatigue or chest tightness persist despite lifestyle changes.
• If worry feels constant, even when no clear triggers are present.
• When you feel unable to manage symptoms on your own.

Remember, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Whether through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these, you don’t have to live in constant fear or discomfort.

Finding Relief at Garden Springs Wellness Center

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, Garden Springs Wellness Center is here to support you. Our team uses evidence-based methods, including trauma-informed care and innovative psychotherapy approaches, to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. We believe in treating the whole person, combining compassionate understanding with clinical expertise to help you find long-term relief.

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. Contact Garden Springs Wellness Center today to begin your journey toward wellness, resilience, and a future filled with possibilities. You don’t have to do this alone—let us help you take the next step.

Take a deep breath. There’s hope ahead.