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Can other people tell when I'm anxious?

22 Answers
Last Updated: 06/04/2018 at 8:52pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
calmLove29
December 28th, 2015 12:02am
yes they can, body language, facial expressions and the way that you breathe. calm down there is nothing to be anxious about, life is happy
Zora17
December 20th, 2014 5:58am
Depends. Typically people who have suffered anxiety themselves will be more likely to tell when another person is anxious because they recognize the signs. Those people will also be more empathetic consequently. :) Other people might also be able to tell that you're anxious if you have a lot of visible physical symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, etc. They may also be able to tell by avoidant behaviors, such as leaving a specific situation early multiple times for example. People who are not familiar with anxiety though often misinterpret signs of anxiety and will not be able to necessarily tell or notice that you're anxious.
Kathryn123
January 4th, 2015 8:19pm
It depends. When I am anxious, I think it is very obvious, because I tend to fidget, blush, have trouble with eye contact, and stammer.
xfriendpleasex
November 24th, 2014 7:36pm
Probably not unless you show extreme signs of panic such as vomiting or fainting. Most people are too involved in themselves to notice when someone else is falling apart
Anonymous
February 29th, 2016 6:28am
How often do you spend time with friends or other people that make you feel uncomfortable or anxious?
JesseK1022
December 7th, 2014 5:20am
Almost certainly. Anxiety and fear manifest themselves in your behaviors because they show that you are uncomfortable in your situation. Chances are, you know why you are anxious and others do too. So the question is this, what is it that makes you so scared to be where you are? Is it really that bad? If so, I'd say to do what you can to move on. You're body is telling you to. If there's just some hitch you can't get over, try to pretend you aren't scared. Pretend it doesn't matter what happens. Chances are you will be more successful if you don't put so much value on success and the more you are successful, the more likely you will start to have to pretend less. You will feel more comfortable because you've been successful or you've failed and it just wasn't as bad as you thought. Good luck!
lafleursauvage
December 28th, 2014 6:10pm
Yes and no. This is partly dependent on that person's own experience. If that person has dealt with their own bouts of anxiety in the past, they may be able to tell when you are anxious because they relate and they have stronger empathy towards you. No because not everyone deals with anxiety and anxiety is often trivialized in society as "something that we all go through." What most people don't realize is that anxiety, extreme anxiety, is a mental illness.
Tumb13weed
March 22nd, 2016 9:25am
If the anxiety is deep enough, it'll manifest itself in physiological effects like tremors, breathing difficulties, involuntary movements (tapping feet/clenching and unclenching fists), all of which are discernible. Particularly the movements. While many onlookers would pass it off as something else, perhaps general nervousness, many of them would sense anxiety when they see it.
HelenTheWiseOne
September 29th, 2015 7:31pm
I think sometimes yes and sometimes no. They are definite signs that some people who know you well will be able to read. However the scary thought that every tom dick or Harry we pass in the street can tell we are anxious just simply isn't true.
Anonymous
January 11th, 2016 2:15am
Yes. When you start being defensive towards other people comment about you. Frowning and raising your voice.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2015 4:09pm
it is our nature to tune into each other and identify each others moods, however some lack this capacity, or will try to ignore it in fear of their not knowing what to do. your body language will determine what is understood by those around you i.e cowering in a corner communicates a greater discomfort than avoiding eye contact. it is a shame that its sometimes difficult to read people, and that there is ignorance, as this is usually why people are so adamant when pressuring you to do things you aren't comfortable with- they don't understand what its like to have anxiety to such an extent, and so thing you are silly for being scared of public speaking for example. just because they see it as irrational, doesn't mean it is in your case.
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2015 1:44am
Sometimes people can tell if you are anxious by how you act, but not always. It really depends on the people are you and how you respond to anxiety.
Anonymous
November 24th, 2014 5:08pm
It depends on how you react to anxiety. Usually people don't notice if your palms are sweating or if you're shaking a little bit. I think most of the time people concentrate on themselves or something else. It also depends on people around you, are they good at reading other people? If they are, then they probably can tell.
Erynn
December 14th, 2014 9:51pm
Possibly. It really depends how your anxiety symptoms present themselves. Some people look really calm or relaxed and have thoughts racing with anxiety. Others, like me, sometimes are quite obvious (although i didn't know it at the time) and pick up habits like rocking, repetitive motions, and a lack of eye contact or other things that can make you seem anxious. If possible, you might ask someone you know fairly well if they feel you look anxious, and how they knew or didn't know.
dearlybeloved
January 15th, 2018 12:46pm
Maybe, but not all the time. Sometimes people who can tell want to help. Sometimes it makes them want to change their behavior. Don’t worry about what others think, only you.
MikeTheDoctor2018
June 4th, 2018 8:52pm
Yes, my mother always knows by my text/voice and action. She even knows when I am lying lmao. -Love Michael
Anonymous
April 12th, 2015 7:47pm
I depends on the symptoms your showing or on the person. For example, if your leg shakes when your getting anxious (which happens to me more often than not) people may predict that you are anxious or worried. Some people can pick up on your body language or symptoms which is totally ok. Don't worry if anyone asks you if your alright while showing sins that your anxious, they just want to lend a hand, and thats ok :)
Anonymous
January 30th, 2017 7:20pm
Depending on how bad it is. If obvious signs are shown such as hyperventilating or/and shaking, yes people around you may realize. But if it's just mentally and shows not physical signs, there's a chance that they don't realize. If it's like that you should talk about it and explain how it's feels and why. They can help you control it if you ask for help, but if you don't look for help it won't come so easily
theopark
December 4th, 2017 4:39am
Most of the time, no. It is easier for somebody with anxiety to tell when you're anxious then somebody without.
Mayaisthename
November 28th, 2014 6:17pm
Yes, if they can see it, if you not sure then you should search more about it and find out more.
endearingLion70
March 26th, 2018 7:56pm
They can probably see it from your behavior. So if they know you and see how you behave they can tell that you are anxious.
Anonymous
May 8th, 2018 5:27am
That totally depends on the people around you. Most people might not notice unless it's a situation where you are "in the spotlight", having a presentation in front of the class, for example. But then again it really depends on the person, their empathy, their own experiences (maybe even with anxiety) etc. Some people might also think that anxious people are just shy. I imagine that close friends might notice it more often, but not necessarily everyone.