Symptoms of Anxiety: Understanding the Signs and When to Seek Help

Anxiety is a normal part of life — a natural response to stress or perceived danger. But when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or starts interfering with daily functioning, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Millions of people live with anxiety every day, often without realizing that what they feel isn’t “just stress.” Understanding the symptoms of anxiety is the first step toward getting help and finding relief.

At Christine Bilbrey, MD, PC, we believe that knowledge empowers healing. This guide will help you recognize the emotional, physical, and behavioral signs of anxiety and know when to reach out for professional care.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s built-in alarm system — it helps you prepare for challenges and stay alert in potentially threatening situations. However, when this system goes into overdrive, even without a clear cause, it can lead to constant unease, fear, and worry that disrupts your peace of mind.

Anxiety Can Take Many Forms, Including

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive worry about daily matters

• Panic Disorder – sudden, intense episodes of fear or panic attacks

• Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations

• Specific Phobias – fear of particular objects or situations (like flying or heights)

• Separation Anxiety or Health Anxiety – worry about loved ones or physical health

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety shows up differently for everyone, but most symptoms fall into three main categories: emotional, physical, and behavioral. Let’s explore each in detail.

1. Emotional Symptoms

• Excessive Worrying: The most common symptom. People with anxiety often find it hard to control their thoughts, even about minor issues.

• Restlessness or Irritability: You might feel constantly “on edge” or quick to anger.

• Fear of Losing Control: Many experience a sense that something terrible will happen, even without reason.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Anxiety can make it hard to focus, leading to forgetfulness or mental fog.

• Overthinking Scenarios: Anxiety often causes your mind to replay past conversations or imagine worst-case outcomes.

2. Physical Symptoms

Anxiety isn’t just in your head — it has real, measurable effects on your body.

• Racing Heart or Palpitations: Your heart beats faster, preparing for “fight or flight.”

• Shortness of Breath: Breathing may feel shallow or tight.

• Sweating or Trembling: Especially during panic or high-stress situations.

• Fatigue: Constant worry drains your energy and can affect your sleep.

• Muscle Tension: Stiffness in the shoulders, jaw, or neck is common.

• Headaches or Digestive Issues: Anxiety can trigger tension headaches or upset stomachs.

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep because of racing thoughts.

3. Behavioral Symptoms

• Avoidance: You may start avoiding certain places, people, or situations that trigger anxiety.

• Compulsive Habits: Repetitive behaviors (like checking, cleaning, or reassurance-seeking) can appear as coping mechanisms.

• Withdrawal from Activities: You may lose interest in hobbies, work, or socializing.

• Overpreparation or Perfectionism: Anxiety can drive an intense need for control, leading to burnout.

When Do Normal Worries Become an Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone feels anxious occasionally. But when anxiety becomes persistent and starts affecting daily activities — such as work, school, or relationships — it may be time to seek professional help. Here are signs your anxiety might require treatment:

• Worry or fear occurs most days for six months or more

• Anxiety feels disproportionate to the situation

• You experience panic attacks or sudden fear without warning

• Anxiety causes avoidance behavior or limits your social life

• You have physical symptoms (like fatigue or stomach upset) with no clear medical cause

• Anxiety interferes with sleep or concentration

• You find it hard to control your worrying

If you recognize yourself in several of these symptoms, know that help is available — and treatment can be highly effective.

How Anxiety Affects Daily Life

Chronic anxiety can quietly take over daily functioning, sometimes without you realizing it. You might feel:

• Emotionally exhausted from constant overthinking

• Socially isolated because you avoid gatherings or calls

• Physically unwell due to tension or poor sleep

• Less productive at work or school

• Disconnected from relationships or hobbies you once enjoyed

Left untreated, anxiety can also contribute to other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or substance misuse. That’s why early recognition and intervention matter.

The Science Behind Anxiety: What Happens in the Brain

Anxiety involves several brain regions, including the amygdala (which processes fear) and the prefrontal cortex (which helps regulate it). When these systems become imbalanced, the amygdala stays hyperactive — constantly signaling danger — while the prefrontal cortex struggles to calm it down.

Chemical imbalances involving neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can intensify symptoms, which is why certain medications can be helpful alongside therapy.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

At Christine Bilbrey, MD, PC, anxiety is assessed through a compassionate and comprehensive approach, which may include:

• Clinical Interview: Understanding your symptoms, triggers, and daily challenges.

• Medical History Review: Ruling out other conditions (like thyroid issues or medication effects).

• Screening Tools: Standardized assessments such as the GAD-7 questionnaire.

• Collaborative Treatment Planning: Building a personalized care plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Evidence-Based Treatments for Anxiety

The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. With professional care, most patients experience significant improvement. Here are the most common treatment options offered by mental health professionals like Dr. Bilbrey:

1. Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that fuel anxiety.

• Exposure Therapy: Gradually reduces fear by safely facing anxiety triggers.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Teaches grounding techniques to manage anxious thoughts.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of feelings while building values-based living.

2. Medication

In some cases, medication may be recommended to correct neurochemical imbalances. These can include:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – like sertraline or escitalopram

• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) – such as venlafaxine

• Benzodiazepines – short-term relief for acute anxiety

• Beta-blockers – for managing physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate

All medications are prescribed and monitored carefully to ensure effectiveness and minimize side effects.

3. Lifestyle & Holistic Support

• Regular Exercise: Boosts mood-regulating chemicals and reduces stress hormones.

• Healthy Diet: Stabilizes blood sugar and supports brain health.

• Adequate Sleep: Restores balance to the nervous system.

• Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.

• Social Connection: Talking to trusted friends or joining support groups.

When to See a Psychiatrist

You don’t need to wait until anxiety feels unmanageable to seek help. Consider scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist if:

• Anxiety is interfering with your relationships or work

• You’re experiencing panic attacks or physical distress

• You’ve tried self-help methods but still feel stuck

• You’re noticing co-occurring symptoms like depression or irritability

A psychiatrist like Dr. Christine Bilbrey can provide a deeper evaluation, diagnose underlying conditions, and offer both therapy and medication options for long-term relief.

Living with Anxiety: Hope and Healing

Managing anxiety isn’t about eliminating fear altogether — it’s about learning how to respond to it with balance, self-awareness, and compassion. With the right care, people often find they not only recover from anxiety but also gain greater emotional resilience and peace of mind. At Christine Bilbrey, MD, PC, we’re committed to helping you rediscover calm, confidence, and joy in daily life through evidence-based, personalized treatment.

Take the First Step Toward Relief!

If you recognize these symptoms of anxiety in yourself or someone you love, you don’t have to face them alone. Professional care can help you regain control, restore balance, and improve your quality of life.

Contact Christine Bilbrey, MD, PC, today to schedule a confidential consultation and take your first step toward calm, confident living.

FAQs

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by genetics, personality traits, traumatic experiences, medical conditions, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Often, it’s a combination of several factors.

Can anxiety go away on its own?

Mild anxiety may fade with lifestyle changes and stress management, but chronic anxiety usually requires professional help for lasting relief.

What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress is a short-term response to a specific challenge, while anxiety tends to persist even after the stressor is gone.

How is anxiety diagnosed?

A mental health professional diagnoses anxiety through interviews, questionnaires, and by ruling out physical health issues.

How long does treatment take?

Many people begin feeling better within weeks of starting therapy or medication, though full recovery varies from person to person.