Invisible Storms: How Anxiety Shows Up in Everyday Life

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When Anxiety Doesn’t Look Like Anxiety

When people think of anxiety, they often imagine panic attacks, racing thoughts, or a constant sense of fear. And yes, these are real and common experiences. But anxiety doesn’t always announce itself so loudly.

Sometimes it hides in plain sight, showing up as behaviours or feelings we’ve come to accept as “normal.” On the outside, you may appear calm and capable, but inside, a quiet storm is brewing.

Larger, More Recognisable Signs of Anxiety

Some signs of anxiety are more noticeable, both to you and to others. These can include:

• Panic attacks – sudden waves of intense fear, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath

• Racing thoughts – an unrelenting mental loop of “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios

• Restlessness – an inability to sit still or relax

• Avoidance behaviours – steering clear of situations that might cause stress or discomfort

• Heightened startle response – feeling jumpy or easily startled by sounds or movement

• Difficulty sleeping – trouble falling or staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed

Subtle, Everyday Signs of Anxiety

Alongside the more obvious symptoms, anxiety often creeps into life in quieter, less recognised ways:

• Overthinking small decisions – spending far too much time choosing clothes, meals, or wording for a simple email

• Irritability over minor things – snapping or feeling agitated without a clear reason

• Perfectionism – setting impossibly high standards to avoid criticism or mistakes

• Procrastination – delaying tasks because starting feels overwhelming

• Feeling ‘on edge’ – sensing something bad might happen, even without evidence

• Physical tension – jaw clenching, tight shoulders, headaches, or unexplained stomach issues

• Difficulty switching off – finding it hard to enjoy rest because your mind keeps racing

Why We Often Miss the Signs

Some symptoms are easier to dismiss because they blend in with the busyness of modern life. We might chalk them up to stress, personality quirks, or simply “how things are.”

But anxiety, whether loud or quiet, can slowly erode our wellbeing if left unaddressed. Recognising it early allows for better coping and a quicker return to balance.

Small Steps Toward Calm

You don’t have to wait until anxiety takes over to make a change. Here are small, effective ways to ease both the subtle and larger signs:

• Name what’s happening – simply identifying “this is anxiety” can reduce its grip

• Breathe with intention – slow, deep breathing can signal safety to your body

• Move your body – even a short walk or gentle stretches help release tension

• Limit overstimulation – reduce news scrolling or screen time to give your mind a break

• Challenge unhelpful thoughts – gently ask if your worry is fact or assumption

• Seek support – talk to a therapist, counsellor, or trusted friend

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore what’s driving your anxiety, understand your triggers, and learn practical strategies to manage it.

Whether your anxiety shows up as panic attacks, restless nights, or quiet overthinking, you don’t have to carry it alone. Together, we can find ways to calm the storm.

If these signs sound familiar, I can help. I work with clients to uncover and address both the visible and hidden ways anxiety affects their lives.

Contact me today to take the first step toward calmer, more balanced days.