As a Somatic Therapist, I understand how anxiety can deeply affect every aspect of your life, often without you realizing it. Many high-achieving, overcommitting millennials struggle to slow down and be in the present moment. They often think this is just a part of their personality or something they have to “live with.” I want to offer a space where you can learn to unwind, reset, and heal your anxiety.

Anxiety manifests in many forms. For those who are high-functioning and always pushing themselves to the limit, the signs can be deeply ingrained. Sometimes, anxiety shows up as physical tension, intrusive and ruminating thoughts, or an underlying sense of unease that you might not fully recognize.

Here are 10 common and less common signs of anxiety that may be showing up in your life:

1. Do you spend time ruminating about something you may have said, questioning whether it upset someone or will lead to conflict?
   The constant replaying of past conversations can be a subtle sign of anxiety, often linked to the fear of disapproval or rejection.

2. Do you find it hard to focus on tasks, even ones that you care about or that are important?
   Anxiety can make it hard to concentrate, causing your mind to race through a series of “what if” thoughts and can sometimes create a sense of panic paralysis.

3. Do you rush through things, feeling like you have to accomplish as much as possible in a short amount of time?
   Pushing yourself to work at an unsustainable pace is a common coping mechanism for underlying anxiety which can lead to burnout.

4. Do you find it hard to slow down, even when your body or mind is telling you to rest?
   The pressure to constantly keep going can be a sign of anxiety trying to keep you in a state of hypervigilance.

5. Do you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or experience unexplained body tension throughout the day?
   Physical tension is a key signal of anxiety, especially when it becomes a habitual response to the body experiencing sustained amounts of stress.

6. Do you stay up at night worrying about things that have happened, things that could happen, or how others might view you?
   Anxious thoughts often intensify at night when your mind has more space to spiral, leaving you exhausted and drained for the next day which can create an anxiety cycle.

7. Do you find it difficult to set boundaries or say no, even when you know you’re overextended?
   People-pleasing is often driven by anxiety, as you fear conflict or rejection, leading you to avoid confrontation at all costs.

8. Do you have sudden, intense waves of panic or a feeling of impending doom for no clear reason?
   Panic attacks and generalized anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, heat washing over your body, and chest tightness.

9. Do you struggle with your body image, feeling like your worth is tied to how you look or perform in certain ways?
   Body Image Anxiety can look like increased body checking, counting calories, comparing self to others, and experiencing rigidity around food and exercise. This behavior can manifest when one does not feel a sense of safety or control in another area of their life.

10. Do you find yourself avoiding social situations or certain environments because of anxiety or fear of judgment?
    You may cancel plans or withdraw because of anxiety about how you’ll be perceived, which can isolate you, leading to more anxiety.

These signs may feel familiar because they’ve been present for so long, but there are ways to feel more ease in your life. Through Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR Therapy, we can work together to address these patterns. The goals of therapy include for you to develop healthier, more empowering ways to engage with you thoughts, your body, and your relationships. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but by giving yourself the space and support to heal, you can finally experience a sense of peace and balance in your life.

If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. Healing is possible, and I’m here to support you through the therapeutic process, at your own pace.