12 Things People With Anxiety Do That Others Just Don't Understand

Feb 23, 2018

Most people get seriously nervous at some point in their life, whether because of internal or external reasons. But for those suffering from anxiety, "nervous" is a complete understatement. Anxiety is an overwhelming feeling of panic that seems inescapable. People with anxiety experience it in different ways, such as panic attacks, phobia reactions, or social anxiety, not to mention repeated worry, muscle tension, chronic indigestion, or irrational fears.

There are some things people who don't suffer from chronic anxiety just don't understand, and this list will help break it down for you. Keep reading to better understand why people with anxiety do the certain things they do! 
 

People suffering from an anxiety disorder have trouble sleeping at night. Their sleep patterns are disturbed from constant worrying and being mentally overwhelmed, which negatively affects their quality of sleep and leaves them feeling even more exhausted after a full night's "rest." 
 

No matter how safe or positive a situation may be, people suffering from anxiety will always think about all the things that could go wrong or not according to plan. The thoughts infest their mind and grow bigger and stronger, which may lead to a panic attack. 
 

Almost everyone usually thinks back on the things they wrote or said during a conversation and wondered if they picked the right things to say, but people suffering from anxiety will overdo it to the point of picking at every little thing that was said. This is exceptionally draining and puts a lot of pressure on the person. 
 

Most people know how to make decisions for themselves and seek professional advice when needed, but people with anxiety tend to take everyone's advice and opinions to heart. In their mind, advice from their peers is level with a professional diagnose.
 

Most human beings have remorse or guilt, but people with anxiety feel it on a whole new spectrum. The feeling is absolutely overwhelming, and they are left feeling like everything was their fault if something doesn't go to plan. 
 

A common form of anxiety is social anxiety, which keeps the sufferer from being able to meet new people and speaking in front of groups or crowds. It's tough for them to get their words out or speak up in conversations. They feel like all eyes are on them analyzing their every move. 
 

People with anxiety can't help but constantly compare themselves to the people around them, especially their friends and family. They often think that others are more successfal than them and overlook their own achievements. Since they put everyone else's success on a pedestal, it seems like their goals will never be met. 
 

No one can predict what will happen in life, and this uncertainty causes a lot of mental stress for people with anxiety. Their fear of change coupled with the fear of the unknown takes a toll on their health, so try to be compassionate when they are worrying about the future.
 

Making mistakes is just human nature. Sometimes we learn from them and move on in life, but people with anxiety don't view it the same way. Mistakes are taken very seriously and they will often dwell on their shortcomings far beyond what is healthy and normal.
 

You've already read above all the things that people with anxiety worry about, so it's no surprise that they experience extreme mental exhaustion. Though their bodies may be rested, their minds are constantly swimming, which is why they may sleep a lot or go through their day feeling restless. 
 

Much like over-analyzing conversations, people with anxiety obsess over small details, like the way someone said "hello" to them or a glance in their direction they may have noticed. Sometimes the smallest details can weigh on their memory and make them feel like something isn't right. It's good to reassure them that nothing is wrong and ask what's on their mind. They will most likely share what's bothering them, which can be a huge relief.
 

Those with anxiety usually say yes to invitiations to hang out because they really do want to spend time with friends, but their anxiety will prevent them from being social. They may struggle to hold a conversation out of fear of being judged, and strive to avoid any kind of confrontation. It's best to figure out what makes them uncomfortable, and decide on the best plan for having a good time.

Click SHARE if you learned something new from this article!