How to know if you have an anxiety disorder
Feeling anxious from time to time is completely normal. Stressful days, big decisions, or major life changes can naturally create worry or tension. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, or starts to interfere with daily life, it may be more than stress—it may be an anxiety disorder.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have an anxiety disorder?” or searched online for signs or symptoms, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns, and recognizing the early signs can help you find the right support.
Below are some of the most helpful indicators to consider when trying to understand whether your anxiety might be crossing into disorder territory.
1. Your Worry Feels Constant or Hard to Control
One of the most common symptoms of anxiety is persistent, excessive worry. People with generalized anxiety disorder often describe their mind as being “always on,” jumping to worst-case scenarios even when nothing is wrong.
You might notice:
Frequent “what if” thinking
Difficulty turning your mind off at night
Feeling on edge most days
Anxiety showing up even during calm or routine moments
If your worry feels out of proportion to what’s actually happening, this could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
2. Anxiety Is Showing Up in Your Body
Anxiety doesn’t just affect your mood—it affects your body, too. Many people notice physical symptoms before they recognize emotional ones.
Common physical symptoms of anxiety include:
Racing heart or chest tightness
Trouble breathing or feeling lightheaded
Muscle tension or shakiness
Stomach upset or nausea
Headaches or fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
If these symptoms persist and medical causes have been ruled out, anxiety may be contributing more than you think.
3. You’re Avoiding People, Tasks, or Situations
Avoidance is one of the clearest signs of an anxiety disorder.
Examples include:
Avoiding social events or phone calls
Putting off responsibilities because they feel overwhelming
Avoiding driving or crowded places
Canceling plans due to anxiety
Avoidance may bring short-term relief, but it often strengthens anxiety over time and can contribute to social anxiety disorder or increased daily stress.
4. Anxiety Is Interfering With Your Daily Life
If anxiety affects your work, relationships, or ability to function day-to-day, it’s worth paying attention.
This might look like:
Difficulty focusing at work or school
Strain in relationships
Feeling exhausted from constant worry
Trouble sleeping or waking up anxious
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
These are common signs of an anxiety disorder, especially when they persist for weeks or months.
5. You Experience Panic or Sudden Surges of Fear
While not everyone with anxiety has panic attacks, they are a clear sign that anxiety is affecting your life.
A panic attack may include:
Sudden, intense fear
Trouble breathing
Feeling faint or shaky
Chest pressure
A sense that something terrible is about to happen
If you’ve experienced these symptoms, you may be dealing with panic disorder or another form of anxiety.
6. Your Anxiety Lasts Most Days for Several Months
A helpful guideline: if you feel anxious most days for at least six months, you may meet the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder or another clinically significant anxiety-related condition.
7. Your Coping Strategies Aren’t Working
Many people try to push through anxiety, avoid situations, or use temporary coping strategies like distraction, overeating, or drinking. But when these strategies stop working—or start making things worse—it may be time to seek anxiety counseling or support from a licensed mental health professional.
So… Do You Have an Anxiety Disorder?
Only a trained clinician can diagnose an anxiety disorder, but you know your experience best. If the signs above resonate, it may be helpful to reach out for support. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and many people notice meaningful improvement with the right approach.
Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based treatments, or exposure therapy can significantly reduce symptoms. In some cases, medication may also be helpful.
When to Seek Help
You deserve support if:
Anxiety is affecting your daily life
You feel overwhelmed, tired, or out of control
You’re avoiding situations you used to handle
You’re noticing increased physical symptoms
You’re not feeling like yourself
At Power of the Mind Psychology in Lincoln, Nebraska, we offer compassionate, evidence-based anxiety treatment to help you understand what you’re experiencing and develop tools to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control.
If you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Contact us.