Anxiety isn’t always a panic or an anxiety attack. On some days, it’s the little ways in which it manifests that make you uncomfortable. 

As someone who has been dealing with it for almost a decade now, here are a few things in my every day life that I do, because of my anxiety:

1. I find it difficult to talk to new people, because I almost always assume they don’t like me.

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2. I feel scared often and my heart starts racing, but I don’t always know why.

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3. I mentally prepare myself for at least an hour before stepping out of the house.

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4. I cannot be spontaneous because my mind often perceives new things as threats.

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5. I can’t make phone calls and book appointments, which is why I use apps for everything.

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6. I always try to keep myself busy, but never actually get anything done.

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7. My mind automatically jumps to the worst case scenario and I’m gripped by existential thoughts.

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8. I need to carry headphones to crowded places because loud noises overwhelm me.

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9. I get startled easily and am ‘jumpy’, especially outside my comfort zone. 

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10. I pay too much attention to small details that in hindsight, might not matter that much.

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11. I make so many pros and cons lists that I often end up not making a decision at all.

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12. I sit in bed for hours, overthinking everything I said today. Even if the other person doesn’t remember it.

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13. I think I am not good enough, for anything or anyone.

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14. I count the hours of sleep I’m going to get every night, before I fall asleep.

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15. I rehearse social interactions, no matter how big or small they are. 

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16. I fear or avoid instances where I have to be the centre of attention. 

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How does your anxiety manifest?