Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety affects how you think, feel, and act. It can show up in the body, the mind, or both. Many people live with symptoms for years before they realize anxiety is the root cause.
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry, we help people understand their symptoms clearly so they can get the right care, not guesswork.
Common Emotional and Mental Symptoms
Anxiety often starts in the mind. These symptoms may come and go, or they may feel constant.
You may notice
- Excessive worry that feels hard to control
- Racing thoughts or mental restlessness
- Fear that feels out of proportion to the situation
- Irritability or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- A sense that something bad is about to happen
These symptoms often get worse under stress, but they can also appear without a clear trigger.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Common physical symptoms include
Anxiety is not just emotional. It activates the body’s stress response, which can feel intense and confusing.
- Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or body aches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or trembling
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Fatigue even after rest
Many people first seek help from medical doctors because these symptoms feel physical. Anxiety is often the missing piece.
Panic Attacks and Severe Anxiety
Some people experience panic attacks. These episodes can feel sudden and overwhelming.
Symptoms may include
- Intense fear or terror
- Chest pain or feeling like you cannot breathe
- A sense of losing control or dying
- Tingling or numbness
- Feeling detached from reality
Panic attacks are frightening, but they are treatable. Proper evaluation matters.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Common physical symptoms include
Anxiety is not just emotional. It activates the body’s stress response, which can feel intense and confusing.
- Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or body aches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or trembling
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Fatigue even after rest
Many people first seek help from medical doctors because these symptoms feel physical. Anxiety is often the missing piece.
When Anxiety Starts to Affect Daily Life
Anxiety becomes a clinical concern when symptoms interfere with work, relationships, sleep, or health.
Warning signs include
- Symptoms lasting for months
- Anxiety that feels constant or escalating
- Difficulty functioning despite effort
- Using alcohol or substances to cope
- Feeling stuck or overwhelmed
You do not need to wait until anxiety feels unbearable to seek care.
Anxiety Can Overlap With Other Conditions
Anxiety often exists alongside other mental health conditions, including depression, OCD, and ADHD. This overlap can make symptoms confusing and harder to manage without professional guidance.
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry, we take a full picture approach so treatment fits your symptoms, not just a label.
How We Help at Bright Horizons Psychiatry
We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and evidence based treatment for anxiety disorders.
Your care may include
- Thoughtful diagnostic assessment
- Medication management when appropriate
- Therapy referrals and coordination
- Advanced options for treatment resistant symptoms
Our clinic is based in Rockville, Maryland, and we focus on clear answers and practical care.
You Do Not Have to Manage Anxiety Alone
Anxiety symptoms are real, common, and treatable. Understanding them is the first step toward relief.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to talk to a professional.