7 Signs You May Have an Anxiety Disorder – And What to Do About It
- Scarlet Plus LLC
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Do you often feel nervous, on edge, or overwhelmed — even when there’s no clear reason why?If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders affect millions of people across the U.S., including many here in Maryland and Washington, D.C. But how can you tell when everyday worry has crossed the line into a diagnosable condition?
At Unique Minds Behavioral Health Services, we believe knowledge is the first step toward healing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven common signs of an anxiety disorder — and what you can do to find relief.
Page Contents:
Signs of anxiety you may have:
1. Constant Worry That Feels Impossible to Control
Do you feel like your mind is always racing? People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often experience excessive worry about everyday things — jobs, health, relationships — even when there’s no immediate threat. This worry can be difficult to stop, no matter how hard you try.
2. Physical Symptoms: Rapid Heartbeat, Tension, Restlessness
Anxiety isn’t just in your head — it can show up in your body too. Common symptoms include:
Muscle tension or body aches
Racing heart or chest tightness
Trouble sitting still or feeling “on edge”
If you’re in Maryland, D.C., or nearby, you’re not imagining it — these physical symptoms are very real, and treatable.
3. Difficulty Sleeping (Or Staying Asleep)
Trouble falling asleep or waking up feeling unrefreshed is another major red flag. Anxiety often leads to insomnia, and lack of sleep can make anxiety even worse — creating a frustrating cycle.
4. Avoiding Situations That Trigger Anxiety
Do you find yourself saying “no” to social events, new opportunities, or daily tasks out of fear? Avoidance is a key symptom of phobia-related or social anxiety disorders — and one that can seriously impact your quality of life.
5. Panic Attacks: Sudden, Intense Waves of Fear
If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you know how terrifying it can be:
Rapid breathing
Dizziness
Pounding heart
Feeling like you’re losing control
Panic attacks can strike without warning and may even mimic a heart attack. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to seek help.
6. Irrational Fears That Interfere with Daily Life
Some people experience intense fears about specific things — such as germs, flying, or public speaking. These phobias may seem irrational to others, but they feel very real to those affected.
7. Trouble Concentrating or Focusing
When anxiety is high, it can be hard to stay focused. People often describe their minds as “foggy” or distracted — especially during conversations, meetings, or routine tasks.
What Should You Do If You Recognize These Signs?
If two or more of these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to reach out for help. At Unique Minds, we specialize in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders with a personalized, evidence-based approach.
We offer a wide range of services including:
In-Person and Telehealth care throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.
⁉️ FAQs About Anxiety Disorders
What’s the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But if anxiety is constant, intense, and interfering with your daily life, it could be a diagnosable condition.
Can anxiety go away on its own?
It might improve temporarily, but untreated anxiety often returns — sometimes more strongly. Early intervention is key.
Are there effective treatments available?
Absolutely. CBT, medication, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes have all been proven to help
🗺️ Live in Maryland or D.C.? You’re Not Alone — and Help Is Nearby
Whether you're in Baltimore, Rockville, Silver Spring, D.C., or anywhere in between, our compassionate team at Unique Minds Behavioral Health Services is here to help you reclaim your life from anxiety.
💬 Ready to Take the First Step?
Schedule a personalized anxiety evaluation Let’s talk — in person or via secure telehealth.
