Stress is a normal part of life.
Between work demands, family responsibilities and everyday obligations, it’s only natural to feel a little anxious from time to time. But when stress becomes persistent, overwhelming or starts interfering with your life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
“If we didn’t have anxiety, we probably wouldn’t prepare for a meeting or a test or care what people think,” says licensed clinical psychologist E. Blake Zakarin. But when that natural stress response “stops being helpful and starts being impairing,” Zakarin says it’s worth speaking to a professional.
Anxiety symptoms can vary widely.
Some people may experience panic attacks, others develop phobias. Even everyday behaviours—like putting things off—can sometimes signal something deeper.
Wondering whether your stress could be more than just stress? Here are some of the common signs of anxiety disorders, according to experts.
Avoidance or procrastination
If you’re finding yourself dodging plans—whether it’s a social catch-up, after-work drinks or a networking event—it’s worth asking why. “Avoidance is something we often brush off or rationalise, like saying you’re too tired to meet new people,” Zakarin says.
It can start small, such as spending time with close friends but skipping group invites. Over time, you may catch yourself saying no more often than yes.
And while procrastination is a common habit, chronic avoidance of tasks can also point to anxiety. If you’re regularly missing deadlines or pushing off projects, it might be because the thought of starting is too overwhelming. “If it becomes a chronic problem because it’s too distressing to face actually doing the project, that’s a good signal of anxiety,” Zakarin adds.
Second guessing
Always questioning your decisions or needing constant reassurance? Anxiety could be behind it. “Probably the most common observation from people close to individuals trying to manage intense anxiety is that they appear aroused, hyped up—continually doubting themselves and seeking reassurance,” says professor of psychology Christine Maguth Nezu.
“Someone might ask friends or colleagues if they’re making the right decision,” she explains. “Or they’ll keep searching the internet, never feeling like they have enough information, and worrying about making the ‘wrong’ choice.”
Insomnia
A few sleepless nights here and there are normal. But if you’re regularly struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep—and you’re feeling it the next day—there could be more going on.
“We all have a night or two when we can’t sleep,” says Zakarin. “But if it’s more chronic or really impacting your daytime wakefulness,” that’s a warning sign.
A good rule of thumb? If it takes more than 30 minutes to drift off most nights, or if you’re waking up and can’t get back to sleep, anxiety might be the cause.
Stomach problems
When your fight-or-flight response kicks in, it doesn’t just impact your mood—it can mess with your gut too. That stress response floods your body with adrenaline and cortisol while switching off your “rest and digest” mode, Zakarin explains.
The result? Your stomach can suffer. That might look like cramps, nausea, indigestion or a sudden loss of appetite.
Headaches or sore muscles
Notice where stress shows up in your body. Do your shoulders clench? Does your jaw ache? People with anxiety often feel physical tension—like headaches or sore muscles—without realising it. “These aren’t always caused by anxiety,” says Zakarin. “But like poor sleep, they’re symptoms we tend to overlook.”
Anxiety can trigger a chain reaction too. A bad night’s sleep can leave your body more tense, making aches and pains feel worse the next day.
Racing heart
When anxiety hits, your body flips into survival mode. Blood rushes to your core muscles and your heart starts to pound—fast. You might also start breathing more heavily or feel dizzy, flushed, or sick.
Nezu says it’s common for anxious people to worry even more once these physical symptoms kick in. “They tend to assume rapid breathing means a heart attack or that faintness could be a brain tumour,” she explains. The fear then fuels more anxiety, locking you in a cycle that’s hard to break.
Exhaustion
It’s not just sleepless nights that zap your energy. Anxiety itself can be exhausting. Your body is on constant high alert, reacting to stress like it’s a threat—even when you’re just sitting still.
Zakarin says this survival-mode effect drains your energy reserves fast. So if you’re dragging through the day and struggling to understand why, anxiety could be behind it.
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