Anxiety is more than just stress – it’s a persistent state of worry that can quietly disrupt your daily life. Learning to spot the early signs can make all the difference in seeking support and managing symptoms.

1. Understanding Anxiety: A Natural Response or a Cause for Concern?

Anxiety is a normal human response to stress or danger – our body’s way of alerting us to potential threats. But when anxiety becomes chronic, disproportionate, or starts affecting your daily life, it can develop into a mental health disorder.

According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions globally, affecting an estimated 301 million people in 2019, including 58 million children and adolescents.

2. Early Emotional Signs of Anxiety

These early emotional signs are often dismissed as ‘overthinking’ or moodiness. Recognising them for what they are is the first step in understanding your mental state.

Excessive Worrying: Worrying about things that are unlikely to happen, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.
Restlessness: A constant feeling of being ‘on edge’ or unable to relax, even in calm environments.
Irritability: You may snap at loved ones more easily or feel increasingly agitated.
Fear or Dread: A sense that something bad is going to happen, even without clear evidence.

“I just couldn’t shut my brain off at night – everything felt like a disaster waiting to happen.” – A personal reflection shared during counselling.

3. Physical Symptoms That Often Go Unnoticed

Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind – it shows up in the body. Often, people report physical symptoms without realising they’re rooted in anxiety.

Tension Headaches or Migraines
Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations), even when resting
Sweating or Chills
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues, like IBS
Fatigue, even after sleeping well
Insomnia or Disturbed Sleep

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) highlights that these physical symptoms are frequently reported by those who delay getting help, believing the issues are purely medical in nature.

4. Behavioural Changes That May Indicate Anxiety

Sometimes anxiety changes how we act before we even realise something is wrong.

Avoidance: Skipping social events or appointments due to fear or nervousness.
Procrastination: Struggling to complete tasks due to fear of failure.
Compulsive Behaviours: Rechecking things (like if doors are locked) repeatedly.
Overpreparing: Excessive list-making or planning as a way to control uncertainty.

These behaviours can easily be mistaken for quirks or habits, but when persistent, they’re often rooted in anxious thinking patterns.

5. How Anxiety Manifests in Different Age Groups

Anxiety doesn’t always look the same in everyone. Understanding how it shows up across ages can help in spotting it early in ourselves and our loved ones.

Children and Teens:

Clinginess or separation anxiety
School avoidance or drop in performance
Complaints of stomach aches or headaches without medical causes

Adults:

Overcommitting or withdrawing from social circles
Difficulties concentrating at work
Increased use of alcohol or smoking to “calm nerves”

Older Adults:

Worrying about health or finances disproportionately
Isolation or increased quietness
Sleep disturbances that aren’t related to ageing

6. Why Early Detection Matters

Catching anxiety early allows for better treatment outcomes and can prevent the progression into more severe mental health issues, such as depression, panic disorder, or substance use disorders.

Better Treatment Outcomes: CBT, lifestyle changes, or short-term medication can be more effective when anxiety is mild.
Improved Quality of Life: Managing anxiety can restore sleep, relationships, work performance, and physical wellbeing.
Reduced Stigma: Early intervention helps normalise talking about mental health, reducing the shame people often feel.

As outlined in the National Institute of Mental Health’s guidance on anxiety disorders, recognising patterns early is key to improved prognosis and well-being.

7. When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety symptoms persist for more than two weeks or begin to interfere with daily functioning, it’s time to talk to a professional.

Speak to:

A GP or primary care doctor
A psychologist or licensed counsellor
Local support organisations like SADAG

Treatment may include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Medication (like SSRIs for moderate to severe anxiety)
Holistic approaches: mindfulness, exercise, nutritional changes

8. Final Thoughts: Being Gentle With Yourself and Others

Anxiety is more common – and more treatable – than many people think. The earlier we recognise the signs, the sooner we can offer ourselves or someone we care about the support needed.

“Anxiety isn’t a weakness. It’s a signal that your mind and body are asking for care.”

Understanding the early signs is an act of compassion – one that can change lives.