7 signs you’re more anxious than the average person, according to psychology

We all experience anxiety from time to time, but sometimes, it seems like your worries just won’t quit.

Perhaps you’re constantly fretting over everyday situations, or maybe you’re losing sleep over scenarios that haven’t even happened yet.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 7 signs of heightened anxiety, as supported by psychology. It’s about understanding yourself better, not self-diagnosing or comparing with others.

So let’s dive in and shed some light on what’s going on in your mind.

1) You’re constantly worrying

Anxiety often comes with a constant state of worry. It’s normal to worry about things like an upcoming job interview or a first date, but if you find yourself fretting over everyday situations that most people wouldn’t give a second thought, it might be a sign you’re more anxious than the average person.

Psychology suggests that this heightened level of worry might be due to your brain being in a constant state of high alert. This can make it difficult for you to relax and enjoy the moment, as you’re always anticipating what could go wrong.

Of course, everyone worries from time to time, but it’s the intensity and frequency of these worries that could indicate a higher level of anxiety.

2) Overthinking is your second nature

If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I can overthink anything and everything. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Overthinking is a common sign of anxiety and it’s something I’ve personally grappled with.

For example, after social events, I’d find myself analyzing every detail. Did I say something wrong? Did people think I was awkward? These thoughts would spiral until I was convinced everyone in the room had a negative opinion of me.

Psychologists call this ‘rumination’, a kind of overthinking where you obsess over your past actions and their possible negative outcomes. It’s like a record that keeps playing in your head, preventing you from moving on.

If overthinking is affecting your quality of life, it might be worth considering whether anxiety plays a bigger role in your life than you once thought.

3) Sleep is a struggle

When your head hits the pillow at night, does your mind race with thoughts and worries? Trouble sleeping, especially if it’s chronic, can be a sign of anxiety.

People with anxiety disorders are much more likely to have trouble sleeping. This could be due to the body’s natural “fight or flight” response being activated, which can make it hard to relax and fall asleep.

Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are not just symptoms but also contributors to anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle, as lack of sleep can also increase anxiety levels.

If counting sheep isn’t cutting it and sleepless nights are becoming the norm for you, it might be your anxiety waving a red flag.

4) You can’t let things go

Holding grudges? Unable to forget a slight or an argument? It’s perfectly normal to feel upset or hurt by the actions of others, but if you find it difficult to let go of these feelings, it could be a sign of anxiety.

When you’re more anxious than average, you might dwell on past events and obsess over what you could have done differently. This excessive focus on past events is often rooted in fear and uncertainty about the future.

Anxiety has a cruel way of trapping us in our own thoughts, making it hard to move forward. If you find yourself stuck in the past, unable to forgive or forget, it might be time to consider if anxiety is playing a role.

5) Physical symptoms are a regular occurrence

Have you ever felt your heart race, or experienced sweaty palms and a dry mouth before a big presentation? I have, and it’s not fun.

These physical symptoms are the body’s natural response to stress or fear, but when you experience them frequently in your everyday life, they could be signs of anxiety.

I remember a time when I had to give a speech in front of a large crowd. My heart was pounding so hard that I could hear it in my ears, and my hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold my notes. This wasn’t just regular nerves – this was anxiety.

Your body and mind are intrinsically linked. If your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode, it could be a signal that your anxiety levels are higher than average.

6) You’re easily irritated

Ever have those days where everything just seems to get on your nerves? We all do. But if you find yourself frequently irritated by minor inconveniences or feeling overly sensitive, it could be a sign of anxiety.

Anxiety can make us more susceptible to feeling out of sorts or agitated, especially if our stress levels are already high. It’s like a cup filled to the brim – any additional drop can cause it to overflow.

This heightened state of sensitivity isn’t necessarily about being negative or pessimistic – it’s a result of the brain being in a constant state of high alert. If you relate to this, it might be worth reflecting on whether anxiety is playing a bigger role in your life than you thought.

7) Avoidance is your go-to strategy

If there’s one thing you should know about anxiety, it’s that it often leads to avoidance. Whether it’s skipping out on social events, avoiding tasks at work, or even resisting particular thoughts or feelings, avoidance is a common coping mechanism for those with high levels of anxiety.

The problem with avoidance is that it can create a cycle. The more you avoid something, the more anxiety it can generate, which in turn leads to further avoidance. It’s a temporary solution that can exacerbate the problem in the long run.

Recognizing avoidance behaviors is key to understanding and managing anxiety. It’s not about forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations, but rather acknowledging the role that avoidance plays in your life and how it might be linked to anxiety.