Six signs that you could be suffering from anxiety

It is nowadays common to come across posts on social media revolving around anxiety and mental wellness in general. While different people have different views about the topic, one thing remains clear, the Coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected lives and wellbeing. 

Last year was a roller coaster for many with the prevailing pandemic altering social norms and causing numerous other effects including job losses. Most people, if not all, lived in fear of losing their loved ones, their jobs, relationships or their own lives.

With the pandemic still haunting us, a lot of people could be suffering from anxiety disorders without knowing. Here, we look at some common signs that will help you know if you are suffering from anxiety:

Racing thoughts

When you constantly find yourself thinking of so many things at the same time, and you can’t seem to stop, this could be a sign of anxiety.

If you have anxiety, your thoughts will usually be negative and about probably how you are going to fail. In severe cases, you might constantly be seeing yourself perishing especially after a traumatic incident.

If you have these signs, then you should probably see a specialist as soon as possible.

Mood swings

Do you constantly have inexplicable change in moods? One minute you are happy the next you want to cry yourself to sleep and you can’t put your hand on what’s wrong? This could be a sign that you have anxiety.

Change in mood swings is one of the signs you can self-diagnose especially when things you used to love no longer thrill you.

Feeling irritable

Another sign that you could be having anxiety is how easilly you get annoyed. While you used to take part and enjoy them, you can no longer take jokes or participate in group banters, everything people say and do comes out as offensive. You probably take things too seriously and people around you are constantly telling you to lighten up. This could be a sign of anxiety. Well, you may lack a sense of humour generally but anxiety takes it a notch higher.

Changes in appetite

Not so long ago you were a foodie enjoying all sorts of delicacies and probably the first to clear your plate but now you can barely finish a cup of tea. All your favourite meals no longer thrill you and the thought of food makes you sick. Before you start losing weight, maybe you could go for checkup and ensure everything is okay if it’s not anxiety.

Dissociation

If you constantly find it easier for you to turn down a video call with friends or a meet-up, you are intentionally secluding yourself from your social life and it could mean much more. Also if you spend more time in your room alone while the rest of your family is watching a movie or sharing a meal, this could also be a red flag. You may have all the excuses to justify your behavior but the culprit (anxiety) may be responsible.

Insomnia

During the early stages of anxiety, your sleep patterns may change. You may start sleeping later than usual then it can grow into a full-blown insomnia. You may be scared to go to sleep or your thoughts keep you up, and this will interfere with your day. This is where your mood swings will begin to change and you will constantly be irritable.

Tip: Anxiety disorders are treatable, once you understand what causes them, you can get help from a professional who will help you regain control of your life again.