Anxiety can severely interfere with a person’s daily life, but it is often less obvious than a panic attack and may go undiagnosed. Anxiety is a common challenge that many people deal with at times, but frequent anxiety can interfere with a person’s happiness and wellbeing. The good news is that anxiety is generally highly treatable. It is possible to reduce anxiety and change a person’s personal narrative in a positive direction.

If you suspect that one of your loved ones may be dealing with frequent anxiety, here are some signs you may notice:

Physical signs: Anxiety may be expressed with headaches, a tightness in the chest or chest pain, feeling short of breath, worsening eczema and stomach pains.
Psychological signs: These include feeling nervous, tense or worried frequently. Confidence may decrease and feelings of self-consciousness may increase. Obsessive tendencies may develop, or decision-making might become a challenge.
Behavioral signs: Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits may be apparent. Someone with anxiety may try to avoid situations or look for ways to escape easily if they become overwhelmed.

Because someone with anxiety may be feeling more self-conscious and put on the spot already, it may be challenging to discuss. Even mild anxiety that occurs frequently can have major negative impacts on key elements of a person’s life, like their job performance and satisfaction, as well as their interpersonal relationships. Undiagnosed anxiety disorder can have a major negative impact on someone’s quality of life. If you suspect someone you love is dealing with anxiety that is interfering with their wellbeing, encourage them to seek professional help.