8 Signs You Might Suffer From Anxiety without Even Knowing It

When you think of someone who suffers from anxiety you think of a person who is overwhelmed by emotions and spends lots of time in bed, often crying. But this is not always true. In reality, there are many people out there who suffer from anxiety and live their lives just like everyone else. Many are not even aware of their own anxiety.

This form of anxiety is called high functional and often gets undetected and untreated, until it becomes so severe that it prevents normal life. A high functional anxiety is given away by tics and controlling habits, among others.

Insomnia is a sign

People who suffer from anxiety have trouble sleeping and often find themselves awaken during the night. Insomnia is a common sign of a high functioning anxiety, as the body is trying to release all the emotions and unwind during the night, after a full day of internalizing the anxiety.

You turn to alcohol to function

In order to control the anxiety, many people unconsciously turn to alcohol or drugs. Studies found that an un-diagnosed anxiety disorder is increasing the risk for developing substance abuse. Those who suffer from anxiety have a hard time coping with their own thoughts, so they try to mute them somehow, often turning to alcohol and drugs to achieve this.

You are a control freak

If you suffer from internalized anxiety your mind will turn to a series of controlling habits, in order to feel in charge of life. This need for control can help the patient manage his anxiety effectively during the day, as they control the changes which lead to anxiety.

Perfectionism is another clue

Not all perfectionists are suffering from anxiety, but if you are always trying to achieve perfection and suffer from insomnia, for example, it may be time to have a check-up. Just like controlling habits, perfectionism helps the anxious person gain a sense of power and reduce the anxiety level, so they can function over the day.

You are always tensed

The inability to relax is another tell-tale sign of anxiety. The brain is always busy with something, so you are never able to relax, as your mind is always busy with what happened, what will happen and so on. This is also why many people who suffer from anxiety wake up more tired than they were when they went to bed.

Physical pain is linked to anxiety

Anxiety is a mental disorder, but it affects the body too. Physical pain can be a sign of anxiety, especially when it’s constant. Anxious people suffer from neck and/or shoulder pain and often have a “knot” in their stomach or throat.

You need lots of reassurance

Anxiety makes you feel weak and those who suffer from it feel the need to be reassured constantly. Lack of self confidence and fear, especially fear of failure are common signs in people who suffer from an anxiety disorder, as they always fear of the worst, which makes them look for a reassurance, a sign they are safe.

You are seen as self-contained

When you have internalized anxiety those around you have a hard time spotting the reality behind the mask you put on. Most people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are seen by their peers as the strongest person around. This is because they are masters at hiding their true feelings. However, if you look closely, there are a number of tics which give away the emotional storm inside the anxious person.