Anxiety can often make one feel alone in their struggle, but it’s a condition that many people are affected by. Though anxiety is a normal response to different forms of stress, you may consider acute anxiety treatment if your symptoms become debilitating and hold you back from doing the things you need to do throughout the day.

Acute anxiety signs and acute anxiety treatment vary from person to person. These symptoms are a general overview, and every person can exhibit acute anxiety differently. We’ve compiled a list of fifteen signs that can help you decide whether or not you should check in with your healthcare provider to discuss your options if you believe you are suffering from an anxiety disorder.

15 Signs That May Reveal Acute Anxiety

“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” — Benjamin Franklin

1. If Your Morning Ritual Doesn’t Go Just Right, Something Goes Wrong

One of the tell-tale signs of an anxiety disorder is compulsive behavior. This does not imply that you have a disorder just because you like to have coffee every morning. Still, if not having that one cup of coffee with exactly 1 teaspoon of sugar has the power to ruin your entire day, you could be experiencing a lot of anxiety regularly and need acute anxiety treatment.

acute anxiety

2. You Are Always Too Early

A habit of those with high-functioning anxiety has to arrive early at their destination- every time. Whether it’s a movie date, doctor’s appointment, or getting to work in the morning.

3. Your Friends List Frequently Changes

If you are dealing with the insecurity that results from anxiety, you may realize that you’re friends change frequently.

4. You Write A lot of Lists to Try to Manage Your Acute Anxiety

Keeping all those lists will not do much for you if you feel unorganized. All of those lists you write, are they helping you?

5. Perfection Is a Priority in Everything You Do

People with anxiety are more likely to want everything to be perfect because it makes them feel nervous and insecure when things are pointed out that are wrong. Many who struggle with anxiety are over-achievers.

6. You’re a Busy-Bee Because of Acute Anxiety

If taking time to relax makes you nervous- you may have an anxiety disorder. Do you always feel like you need to be doing something or you’re wasting your time? Try taking some extra rest and see if it makes you uncomfortable.

7. You Bite Your Nails

Nail biting is a compulsive habit that usually points to anxiety disorder. The same applies to excessive fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or a nervous tick.

8. You Have Trouble Sleeping

Having trouble falling and staying asleep or never feeling rested enough is a common sign of an anxiety disorder. Acute anxiety treatment can help you get back to a regular sleep schedule.

acute anxiety

9. You’d Rather Stay in than Socialize

You may feel lonely and like you want to socialize, but something holds you back, and you end up staying in. But why? Anxiety can make it a challenge to put yourself into situations where you have to socialize voluntarily.

10. You’re the First One to Leave Because of Your Acute Anxiety

This one goes hand-in-hand with wanting to stay home. When you’re anxious, you are more likely to become overwhelmed and may choose to leave certain situations as quickly as possible.

11. Your Heartrate is Normally Elevated

You may notice this when you’re more stressed or about to have an anxiety attack.

12. You Imagine the Worst Case Scenario All the Time

Anxiety triggers the fear response in our brains and makes us feel unsafe even if we aren’t in a dangerous situation. Though being safe should be a priority in everyone’s life, are you feeling threatened in situations that aren’t threatening?

13. You Have to Plan Everything

Excessive planning is a sign of anxiety as it is another compulsive behavior that attempts to prevent things from going wrong or getting out of control. Do you get nervous when you have to “wing it” even if it’s for something that isn’t significant?

14. You’re Very Serious

When was the last time you laughed at yourself when you made a silly mistake? If you have difficulty “loosening up,” you could have an underlying anxiety disorder. Are you frequently told by others to relax or not take everything so seriously?

15. Your Acute Anxiety Manifests as Fear and Holds You Back

If you’re so afraid of what might happen if you walk out your front door you don’t end up leaving the house, you may need acute anxiety treatment. It’s normal to be afraid of certain things. Still, you should be able to do what you want with your life despite the fear.

intimidating personality

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Signs of Acute Anxiety

There are many reasons why someone develops an anxiety disorder and many acute anxiety signs. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, but you may be surprised to find that simple things like exercising more and eating the right foods help keep panic attacks and anxiousness at bay. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel your condition may be serious.