10 Signs of Hidden Anxiety

Hidden anxiety is not actually a clinical term. Hidden anxiety refers more to symptoms of anxiety that are underlooked in the DSM. The purpose of this video is to raise awareness on less common signs of anxiety that people may not notice. Someone with or without an official diagnosis of anxiety disorder may still experience these symptoms. Do you have a friend or know someone who may be experiencing signs of anxiety that are hard to pick up?

Disclaimer: Do not use this video to self diagnose yourself or someone else. To receive a proper diagnosis, a professional is recommended. You can, however, use this video as a guide when explaining your symptoms to your doctors.

According to the American Psychological Association, people with anxiety have a future-oriented fear which leads them to avoid anything that could potentially trigger a stress response. In 2017, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that approximately 40 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, but recent surveys show that only 36.9% of those suffering from it seek treatment. This might be because most people with anxiety worry about the judgment of others and how the stigma against mental illness might negatively affect their lives.

Does this sound familiar to you?

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Credits
Writer: Chloe Avenasa
Script Editor: Kelly Soong & Gabrielle LaFrank
VO: Amanda Silvera
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:

American Psychological Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Washington, DC, USA; APA Publishing.
Calvo, M. G., Gutiérrez, A., & Fernández-Martín, A. (2012). Anxiety and deficient inhibition of threat distractors: Spatial attention span and time course. Journal of cognitive psychology, 24(1), 66-78.
Bowen, R., Clark, M., & Baetz, M. (2004). Mood swings in patients with anxiety disorders compared with normal controls. Journal of affective disorders, 78(3), 185-192.
Steer, R. A., & Beck, A. T. (1997). Beck Anxiety Inventory.

[strwbrpixie]

Sometimes I think I have anxiety, but in the end I say “nah I’m just overreacting” and then the cycle continues

[zzassenavzzz]

“ you overthink past conversations “
me: I-
dats not normal?

[elizabethwilliams]

Psilocybin saved my life. I was addicted to heroin for 15 years and after Psilocybin treatment I will be 3 years clean in September. I have zero cravings. This is something that truly needs to be more broadly used in addiction treatment.

[BrownGeorge-pwxo]

I'm a veteran, was actually addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe anxiety and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Respect mother nature and the only great magic shrooms.

[MiVidaBellisima]

When the thought of having hidden anxiety gives you anxiety, that’s a strong indicator that you have anxiety.

[caratyounghee]

1. You don't like talking to people face to face.
2. You're always self-conscious.
3. You're easily upset or irritated.
4. You're panicky and easily startled.
5. You're indecisive.
6. You overthink past conversations.
7. You're always making yourself busy.
8. You talk yourself down all the time.
9. You have a lot of negative thoughts.
10. You experience physical symptoms.

[zivaretelj]

As someone who had had bad anxiety growing up, i can relate to this. My math teacher once called me out of class (At the time we were not in math class, and i was really good at math) and told ke to come with him. He went into the classroom he was teaching (9th grade which was a grade higher than me) and asked me a question infront of everyone. My heart was beating faster than ever my legs was shaky and my voice was too. I couldnt but stumble on all of my words. At the end, my answer was correct and ive never felt so relieved in my life. Everyone was so impressed, since they hadn't known the answer.
I am proud of this moment. And i will always be

[pinko]

I relate to all the symptoms and a lot of comments. I think Ive started experiencing anxiety when I was in middleschool. Never imagined that my constant overthinking, talking to myself, crying from slightest critique or inconveniences would have a name. I only found out what anxiety was after finishing my first year in college. I really wish I could seek treatment, but I moved to another country with my parents and I'm struggling to learn the native language, so its really hard to get diagnosed, additionally mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are seen as something that we are supposed to be ashamed of in this country, and it could have a negative effect on my career later in life. And although my mom is the most supportive person in my life, she is extremely opposed to identifying all of these symptoms as an actual disorder, because she thinks that I make it all up and I can get rid of it with just a bit of willpower. I dont want to disappoint my mom and look weak and lazy infront of her, because I know that she will not change her mind about this. But I hope some time in the future when I am able to afford therapy, I will gladly go to one. Sorry for venting so much, its the first time I've ever shared all of these feelings with anyone other than myself. Hope everyone here gets better as well.

[strawberrycow]

Me: thinking about a conversation 3 years ago
Also me: it’s fine they probably don’t even remember it
My Brain: *but what if they did?*

[demoniac]

Me: I feel anxious
My doctor: Well stop being anxious.
*Anxiety cured*

[kelli]

Ive known for years deep down that I struggle with severe anxiety but I didn't want to have to admit it to myself or deal with it but I think it's finally time to do something about it.

[SlytherinGurl]

I have literally ALL the symptoms. I thought I might have anxiety, and now I kinda feel like this confirms it.

[yeszuwu]

“You overthink past conversations”
My 3 am thoughts: *sweats nervously*

[furofu]

That moment you realize you literally do all ten of these things all the time

[Wolfnado]

I relate to all of these! Especially the irritable and panic one. I snap at my own family and feel panic whenever a simple task or decision is offered, wanting as much time to think about the hidden consequences or set backs. So when greeted with something that needs quick decision, I panic and start to stress over my usual fear of feeling any more regret. I also have panic attacks from time to time, and sweat a lot in public because I stress over how people see me and my behaviors. I’m blunt and fearful even with friends and family. I luckily though I have good friends that try and include me, and even sometimes get me out of my shell and less occupied on the past and future, and I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like without anyone to help push me out of these nervous reactions gently.

[basudevmahato]

For a long time I was aware of the fact that something is wrong with me. I choose to beleive that it may be due to me being an overthinker or perfectionist but now I realise that it was anxiety within me for years. Everything in the video is relatable to me. I am going to seek some professional help now. Thank you for sharing this video.

[sleepyna]

Someone: **explaining stuff to me**
My brain: they think you're dumb, go cry

[shorfan]

Me the entire video: ”Yes”. ”Yup”. ”Yes.” ”Yes.” ”A-huh”. ”100%”. ”Sounds like me”. ”YES”.

[randomthingz]

My mother always thought I have anxiety but I always disagreed because I was worried but watching this made me realise that she was right because I am all of these at once.

[Azula..]

I have these.I experienced these for at least 2 years(and still living with).Never told anyone at first bc i felt like i don't have the right to feel bad or even when talking slightly about it i kept apologising.Always said to myself "you don't get to feel bad just like that, there are people having worst" or "maybe im just acting spoiled/overreacting etc. but this year i accepted this whole thing for the first time.Just because others have it "harder" doesn't make my feeling invalid.i held back tears while watching this video.Thank you