Anxiety can be a crippling disease. It’s as a lonely, downward spiral that will continue unabated until that person decides to do something about it. If you’re worried that a loved one may be struggling, keep an eye out for the following signs of anxiety and suggest that they attend a depression and anxiety treatment center.

EXCESSIVE WORRYING & IRRITABILITY

If your friend or family member is constantly worrying about every little thing, no matter how insignificant, it may be a sign or the early stages of anxiety. This would be hard to gauge on its own, as most people have completely legitimate worries, fears, and concerns in their life.

However, if their reactions are disproportionate to the events that trigger it, and it occurs consistently over a long period of time, they may have a case of anxiety. Irritability is also a common trait amongst those with anxiety, studies show.

DIFFICULTY STAYING OR FALLING ASLEEP

Having trouble falling asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night consistently is one of the strongest indicators of anxiety symptoms. If your loved one has had to deal with insomnia in the past, there is a high likelihood that they are more prone to anxiety.

CONSTANT FATIGUE

It isn’t clear how much of an indicator of anxiety fatigue is on its own. However, things like excessive worrying and irritability, along with other symptoms on this list, may lead to chronic fatigue. It is a common symptom in depression as well, so look to other factors as stronger indicators.

PANIC ATTACKS

Panic attacks can be a strong sign that your loved one is possibly struggling with anxiety. While most adults will experience a panic attack at some point in their life, if your loved one has recurring panic attacks, it may be a sign of an anxiety or panic disorder.

GAUGING THE SEVERITY OF THESE SIGNS OF ANXIETY

A few ways to rule out the above symptoms are incorporating positive lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, meditative exercise like yoga, and meditation.

What’s happening in their careers can also be a tell-tale sign as well. Maybe they’re behind on a huge project at work or they’re currently in a toxic work environment, and finishing those obligations and taking a well-deserved vacation may solve it completely.

General anxiety is diagnosed if someone has been experiencing the above symptoms almost every day for a period of at least 6 months. However, if it interferes with their lifestyle in any way, your loved one should seek help.

HOW SHOULD YOU TELL THEM?

If you’re concerned for your loved one, you may want to ask if they’ve looked into seeing a doctor or taken personal days off to rest and recharge.  Whatever you suggest, do so from a place of caring and support. Tell them you love them, care about them and are worried about them.

Timing is critical, as you might not want to tell them they should seek help right after an episode, especially if they’re highly irritable.

HELP THEM HELP THEMSELVES

Don’t let signs of anxiety control their lives. If you know a loved one who has been struggling with anxiety, despite all of their efforts to change their lifestyle, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our depression and anxiety treatment center or call 866.262.0531.