Signs You Might Be Struggling With Anxiety
TL;DR
• Anxiety is common, but when worry, sleep trouble, overwhelm, focus issues, or body symptoms hang around and impact daily life, it’s time to pay attention.
• Start small: one calming breath routine, one tiny boundary, and one short movement break daily.
• If symptoms persist or disrupt sleep/relationships/work, therapy helps, skills, structure, and support.
Anxiety is an emotion that affects us all in one way or another. Still, when it goes beyond a feeling of apprehension and begins to affect your everyday life, it is important to take note and take action. Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, some of which are obvious and some of which are subtle. Awareness of the signs of anxiety can help you identify when you are struggling and take the steps you need to manage it. In this blog post, we will discuss some signs that might indicate you are struggling with anxiety and some tips on coping.
Trouble sleeping
One of the most common signs that you're struggling with anxiety is trouble sleeping. Anxiety can cause insomnia, making it hard to fall and stay asleep. Even if you do manage to fall asleep, anxiety can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night and make it difficult to fall back asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, it can be a sign that your anxiety is getting the better of you.
Try this: One-hour screen curfew, three-line brain dump (what happened / what matters tomorrow / what can wait), then 10 slow breaths (inhale 4, exhale 6–8).
Excessive worrying
One of the most common signs of anxiety is excessive worrying. Suppose you're constantly worrying about the future or ruminating on things that have happened in the past. In that case, you may be struggling with anxiety. It's normal to experience occasional worry, but if you're worrying excessively and it's interfering with your ability to function daily, it's important to seek help. Anxious thoughts may be irrational and hard to shake, but with the right treatment, you can learn to manage them and lead a more fulfilling life.
Try this: Set a 2-minute “worry window.” Write the worry, one fact you know, and the next tiny action. Close with three extended exhales.
Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling overwhelmed is one of the most common signs of anxiety. Do you feel overwhelmed by tasks that you used to find easy? Do you feel like you can't keep up with everything happening in your life? This can be a sign that you are struggling with feelings of anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed can lead to feelings of lack of control and uncertainty, both of which can trigger anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed and can't seem to get a handle on your life, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.
Try this: Use a 3-item rail: must-do / nice-to-do / can-wait. Say: “I can’t this week let’s revisit next month” to one nonessential request.
Trouble concentrating
Another common sign that you might be struggling with anxiety is difficulty concentrating. Anxiety can cause your mind to become foggy, making it hard to stay focused on tasks or conversations. You may forget what you were about to say or lose your train of thought when reading or writing. It could be a sign of anxiety if you find it hard to stay focused.
Try this: 25–5 rule: 25 minutes of a single task, 5-minute reset (stand, sip water, two slow breaths). Park a note: “start here next” before breaks.
Physical symptoms such as dizziness or nausea
Anxiety doesn't just manifest itself in our minds. It can also be felt in the body. Physical symptoms like dizziness and nausea can indicate that you are struggling with anxiety. If you're feeling lightheaded or like you're going to vomit, it could be a sign that you're under a lot of stress and must take some time to address your mental health. If these feelings persist, it's important to seek professional help.
Try this: Ground through senses, name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste, while breathing out longer than you breathe in.
In conclusion, it's important to remember that anxiety is a normal and natural emotion. Although it can be overwhelming, many helpful strategies are available to help you manage your anxiety. If you feel that your anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life and causing significant distress, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. With the right support, you can learn how to cope with your anxiety and live more peacefully.
To find out more about my services, start here: Anxiety Therapy
Find support where you are: Boise Area • Salt Lake City Area • Denver Area • Connecticut
FAQ
How do I know if it’s everyday stress or an anxiety problem?
Stress usually fades when the situation ends. Anxiety tends to linger, show up across settings (home, work, evenings), and bring sleep trouble, constant worry, irritability, or body symptoms. If it lasts most days for weeks or disrupts sleep, relationships, or work, it’s worth getting support.
Can anxiety really cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Your body’s alarm system can trigger dizziness, nausea, stomach issues, chest tightness, fast heart rate, headaches, jaw clenching, or muscle tension. These sensations are real and common. A quick reset helps: lengthen your exhale (inhale 4, exhale 6–8) and ground through your senses for one minute.
When should I seek professional help?
Reach out if symptoms persist two or more weeks, keep you from sleeping or functioning, or lead to avoidance (skipping plans, calling off work). Therapy offers skills, structure, and support so you don’t have to white-knuckle it. Start here: Anxiety Therapy.
About the Author
Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC, is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, overwhelm, and identity challenges. He is certified in HeartMath, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and breathwork facilitation. Taylor is the founder of Inner Heart Therapy, where he provides online therapy across multiple states.
Last reviewed: November 5, 2025 by Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC
