Most people are familiar with the more common symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, and dizziness. However, there are also a number of lesser-known symptoms that can be just as debilitating. For example, many people with anxiety suffer from chronic migraines or tension headaches.
Others may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal problems. And while some of these symptoms may be physical in nature, they can also have a profound impact on a person’s emotional well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to be aware of all the potential symptoms and to seek professional help if necessary. With the right treatment, it is possible to manage anxiety and live a happy and fulfilling life.
18 Lesser Known Anxiety Symptoms
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include things like feeling constantly on edge, struggling to concentrate, or being easily irritated. While these might not be the first things that come to mind when you think of anxiety, they can be just as debilitating as more well-known symptoms like panic attacks.
If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a trusted friend or family member. Don’t try to tough it out on your own.
Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help for mental health issues. Getting the support you need is essential for managing your anxiety and putting your life back on track. Here is a list of lesser-known symptoms of anxiety:
1. Difficulty Concentrating or Thinking Clearly
Most people are aware of the more common symptoms of anxiety, such as a pounding heart, sweating, and feeling dizzy or lightheaded. However, anxiety can also cause less obvious symptoms that can be just as distressing.
For instance, many people with anxiety find it hard to concentrate or think clearly. This can make it difficult in the below-mentioned areas:
- Keep up with a conversation
- Follow a train of thought
- Remember Simple instructions
In severe cases, anxiety can even cause “word salad,” a condition where a person strings together unrelated words in an attempt to communicate their thoughts. While these less well-known symptoms may not be as immediately apparent as the more classic signs of anxiety, they can still have a major impact on a person’s life.
2. Racing Thoughts
While most people are familiar with the more common symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart and sweaty palms, there are a number of other, lesser-known signs that can indicate an anxiety disorder. For instance, many people with anxiety disorders experience what are known as “racing thoughts.”
They create detrimental effects on a person’s life including:
- A constant stream of intrusive and often troubling thoughts
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Dizziness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, but they can become debilitating if left untreated.
3. Irritability or Short Temper
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It’s a normal part of life. But for some people, anxiety can be much more than just an occasional feeling of worry or nerves. For them, anxiety can be all-consuming, making it hard to focus on anything else. One of these is irritability or short temper.
It has dire consequences on your both social and personal levels:
- Constantly on edge
- Snap at the people around you
- Body language may betray your frustration
If you find yourself getting easily irritated, it could be a sign that your anxiety is out of control. However, there are many effective treatments available that can help you manage your anxiety and get back to living a happy and healthy life.
4. Difficulty Sleeping, Insomnia, or Oversleeping
Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, and one of the lesser-known symptoms is difficulty sleeping. People with anxiety may find it hard to fall asleep or may wake up multiple times during the night.
They may also have nightmares or become oversensitive to noise. As a result, they can end up feeling exhausted during the day. Insomnia can be a vicious cycle, as people who are tired are more likely to feel anxious.
Here are some simple tips to tackle insomnia:
- Try to relax before bed by reading
- Taking a bath
- Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed
- Waking up at the same time each day
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bed.
5. Muscle Tension or Pain
It’s no secret that anxiety can take a toll on your mental health, but did you know that it can also have physical effects? One of the most common is muscle tension or pain.
This can be caused by the ‘fight or flight response that is triggered when we feel anxious. The stress hormone cortisol is released, which causes our muscles to tense up in preparation for action.
This can lead to the following aches:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Jaw pain
If you’re feeling tense or in pain, it might be worth considering whether anxiety could be the cause. However, it’s always best to speak to a doctor to rule out any other potential causes.
6. Trembling, Shaking or Feeling Shaky
When most people think of anxiety, they think of feeling nervous or scared. But there are other, lesser-known symptoms of anxiety that can be just as distressing. One of these is trembling, shaking, or feeling shaky.
This can happen anywhere in the body but is often felt in the hands or legs. It can be quite mild or so severe that it makes it difficult to do everyday tasks. For some people, it may only happen occasionally, while for others it may be a constant problem.
If you’re struggling with this symptom of anxiety, know that you’re not alone and there are things you can do to manage it. Talk to your doctor about your options and find a treatment plan that works for you.
7. Stomach Problems
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include nausea, diarrhea, or other stomach problems. While these symptoms may not seem like they are related to anxiety at first, they can actually be caused by the stress and tension that comes with anxiety.
When your body is under stress, it goes into “fight or flight” mode, which can cause your stomach to produce more acid than usual. This can lead to the below-mentioned stomach issues:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Tighten up abdominal muscles
- diarrhea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether or not they may be related to anxiety.
8. Physical Aches and Problems
Headache is a common one. For someone who doesn’t already suffer from anxiety, these physical manifestations can be very confusing and alarming. It can be hard to know what’s going on, especially if you’re not familiar with the condition.
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include physical problems
- Physical aches and pains
- Headaches
- Face difficulty in swallowing
- Dizziness
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a doctor or mental health professional to rule out any other underlying medical conditions.
Once you know that anxiety is the cause, there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and feel better.
9. Chest Pain
chest pain is a common symptom of anxiety and one that is often overlooked. While the pain can vary in intensity, it is usually a sharp, stabbing sensation that can make it difficult to breathe. The pain may also extend to the arms, neck, or jaw. More problems related to the chest are:
- Chest tightness
- Heart Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other possible causes. With the right treatment, you can learn to manage your anxiety and live a healthy and happy life.
10. Shortness of Breath
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include shortness of breath, feeling like you can’t catch your breath, or feeling like you’re suffocating. This happens because when you’re anxious, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode.
This is the body’s natural reaction to perceived danger, and it’s designed to help you escape or fight back. But when there’s no actual danger, it just causes all kinds of physical symptoms, like a racing heart, sweating, and, yep, shortness of breath.
If you experience this symptom frequently, it might be worth talking to your doctor or a therapist to see if it could be anxiety. They can help you come up with a plan to manage your anxiety and hopefully help you breathe a little easier.
11. Sensitivity to Noise or Light
If you’re the type of person who startles easily or can’t stand bright lights, you might be more sensitive to noise or light than others. Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include increased sensitivity to both of these stimuli. In noisy environments, you might feel like you can’t focus or like you’re on edge. The same goes for when given a sudden burst of light.
Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, and the adrenaline makes everything feel more intense. If you experience either of these things on a regular basis, it might be worth looking into whether you have an anxiety disorder.
Fighting the urge to flee or hide from the stimuli can be tiring, and it’s important to find ways to cope with your symptoms. Thankfully, there are many resources available to help people who suffer from anxiety disorders. With the right support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a normal life.
12. Feeling of Being Out of Control
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include feeling like you’re out of control. It’s not just the big things, like your career or finances, but small things too. You might feel like you can’t keep up with your to-do list, or that you’re not doing things as well as you used to.
This can lead to a spiral of negative thoughts and make you feel even more out of control. If you’re struggling to keep up with everything, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor or a therapist, and they can help you get back on track.
13. Perfectionism
Perfectionism is often thought of as a positive trait. After all, it can be helpful to strive for excellence in everything we do. However, perfectionism can also have a dark side.
For many people, the need to be perfect is driven by anxiety. They fear making mistakes, and they are constantly second-guessing themselves.
This can lead to the following problems:
- Procrastination or inaction
- Chronic self-criticism
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
In other words, perfectionism is not always a virtue. Sometimes, it is nothing more than a form of self-imposed emotional torture.
14. Irresolution
Another common symptom of anxiety is Irresolution, which refers to the inability to stick to a course of action or make a decision. This may be due to fear of failure or making the wrong choice. As with other symptoms of anxiety, Irresolution can have a significant impact on:
- Destructive Effect on a person’s whole life
- Missed opportunities
- Difficulty achieving goals
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. There are effective treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms and live full and productive lives.
15. Brain Fog & Vagueness
Brain fog is one of those things that’s hard to define, but you know it when you feel it. It’s that feeling of being mentally blurry, unfocused, and scattered. You might have trouble remembering things or struggle to hold onto new information.
Sometimes it can feel like you’re in a mental fog and everything is just a little bit harder than it should be. Brain fog is a common symptom of anxiety, and it can be caused by the brain’s fight-or-flight response. When you’re in a state of anxiety, your body is preparing for danger and your brain is working overtime to keep you safe.
This can lead to symptoms like brain fog, as well as fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. If you’re struggling with anxiety, there are things you can do to help clear the fog and get back to feeling like yourself again. The following actions can also be helpful in easing anxiety and improving focus:
- Talk to your doctor about treatment options
- Make sure to get plenty of rest and exercise
- Mindfulness meditation
- Relaxation techniques
With a little effort, you can start to feel more clearheaded and less bogged down by brain fog.
16. Depersonalization
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety can include depersonalization, which is when a person feels disconnected from their body or like they’re observing themselves from outside their body. This can often happen during periods of high stress or when someone is going through a major life event, such as a death in the family.
Depersonalization can be very confusing and frightening, but it’s important to remember that it’s just a symptom of anxiety and not a sign that something is seriously wrong. If you’re experiencing depersonalization, try to focus on grounding techniques, such as deep breathing and focusing on your senses, to help you feel connected to your body and present in the moment.
17. Fatigue
Anxiety is a condition that can cause a variety of different symptoms, including fatigue. While fatigue is often thought of as simply feeling tired, it can actually be a much more complicated and debilitating symptom.
Fatigue caused by anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate, focus, or even think clearly. It can also lead to feelings of irritability and agitation. In severe cases, fatigue can make it difficult to get out of bed or even perform basic tasks like brushing your teeth.
Lesser known symptoms of anxiety like fatigue can be debilitating and make it difficult to live a normal life. If you are struggling with fatigue, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
18. Intolerance
Intolerance is often thought of as a negative personality trait, but in many cases, it may be a sign of something more. People who are intolerant of others may actually be struggling with anxiety.
While the most common symptoms of anxiety are well-known, such as racing thoughts and hyperventilation, there are also lesser-known symptoms that can be just as disabling. Intolerance is one of these lesser-known symptoms.
People who suffer from anxiety may find that they are intolerant of certain people, places, or things. This intolerance can manifest itself in a number of ways:
- Irritability and agitations
- Avoidance
- Aggression and Insolence
If you or someone you know seems intolerant, it may be worth investigating whether anxiety could be the underlying cause.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different symptoms of anxiety, and not all of them are well-known. Some lesser-known symptoms of anxiety include feeling jittery or on edge, trouble concentrating, racing thoughts, and hypervigilance. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they don’t necessarily mean that you have an anxiety disorder.
However, if you’re experiencing several of these symptoms on a regular basis, it might be worth talking to a therapist or counselor to see if you could benefit from treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some uncommon symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety can present itself in a variety of ways, and some symptoms may be less commonly recognized. These can include physical symptoms such as excessive sweating, dry mouth, difficulty breathing or swallowing, muscle tension, trembling, twitching or spasms, increased heart rate, or dizziness.
Mental symptoms of anxiety can include racing thoughts, feeling overwhelmed or out of control, difficulty concentrating or staying focused, insomnia, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts.
Emotional symptoms can include fear, excessive worry, and panic attacks. Social symptoms can involve feelings of isolation or avoidance of social situations.
Can your body have anxiety without knowing?
Yes, it is possible to experience physical symptoms of anxiety without being aware that they are related to anxiety. This can occur when a person is not aware or familiar with the signs and symptoms of anxiety, or if the physical sensations are so mild that they go unnoticed.
If you are experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, it is important to talk to a doctor to rule out any physical health issues and to determine if anxiety may be a factor.
It is important to remember that anxiety can manifest differently in each person, so even if you do not recognize the symptoms, it does not mean they are not present.
How to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety?
There are various strategies that can be used to help relieve physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Some of these include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and yoga or stretching.
Additionally, engaging in regular exercise can help to reduce tension in the body and improve overall well-being. Talking to a therapist can also be beneficial in order to gain insight into the root causes of your anxiety and work through them in a productive way.
Finally, it can be helpful to practice self-care and make sure you are getting regular, restful sleep. Taking time for yourself can help reduce stress levels, which can eventually lead to reduced physical symptoms of anxiety.
Can anxiety cause weird body symptoms?
Yes, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms. These can range from nausea and dizziness to headaches and muscle tension.
Other physical symptoms of anxiety may include rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, fatigue, and insomnia.
In extreme cases, people with severe anxiety may experience chest pain or heart palpitations.
Which medical symptoms can mimic anxiety?
Anxiety can mimic many medical symptoms, including chest pain and heart palpitations. It can also cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and problems with concentration or memory.
Other physical symptoms of anxiety may include shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, nausea, headaches, and muscle tension.
If anxiety is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, it is important to seek medical help. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Why am I having anxiety symptoms but don’t feel anxious?
It is possible to experience physical symptoms of anxiety without feeling anxious. This can sometimes be due to an underlying medical condition or another mental health issue, such as stress, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In these cases, the physical symptoms may be related to the underlying condition and not necessarily anxiety itself.
If you are experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety and do not feel anxious, it is important to seek medical help in order to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What does untreated anxiety feel like?
If anxiety is left untreated, it can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms. People with untreated anxiety may experience feelings of fear or dread that are out of proportion to the situation at hand.
They may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or making decisions. Untreated anxiety can also lead to fatigue, irritability, restlessness, muscle tension, and headaches.
In extreme cases, people with untreated anxiety may develop physical symptoms such as chest pain or heart palpitations. It is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing these symptoms.
What is subconscious anxiety?
Subconscious anxiety is an unconscious process of worrying or feeling anxious about a situation without consciously recognizing the source of these feelings. It may manifest as physical symptoms such as tension, sweating, headaches, and stomachaches without any clear cause.
Subconscious anxiety can often be difficult to diagnose because it does not always present itself in obvious ways.
If you think you may be experiencing subconscious anxiety, it is important to seek professional help in order to get an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan.
How does a person with anxiety behave?
People with anxiety may display a number of different behaviors. They may avoid certain situations or places, have difficulty sleeping, experience racing thoughts and worries, and feel tense or irritable.
They may also become easily distracted, be overly sensitive to criticism, or feel physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches. If you think someone you know is suffering from anxiety, it is important to have an open and honest conversation with them about their experiences.
This can help provide a better understanding of the situation and could potentially lead to seeking professional help.
What triggers a person with anxiety?
There are many different things that can trigger anxiety in a person. Common triggers include stressful life events, worrying thoughts, and certain physical sensations or situations.
Examples of common triggers include being in crowds, feeling overwhelmed, public speaking, tight deadlines at work or school, financial worries, and health concerns.
It is important to be aware of your own triggers and try to avoid them if possible. If you are having trouble managing your anxiety, it is important to seek professional help.