Spotting an anxious person as an Outsider

Have you ever been put off by someone else because of the way they’re fidgeting? Or maybe because the way their eyes dart around the room, while tapping rapidly? You’re most likely witnessing someone who’s anxious.

What does it mean to be anxious? Is it just the constant overthinking and worry? The answer is: no! Being an anxious person is so much more than just worrying. To be anxious is to feel your stomach churn walking down a deserted strip, or when the train arrives at your stop and the carts are packed tightly and you know you have somewhere to be in 30 minutes. Fear not if you feel something similar to either one of these examples! You are still 100% human and the reason you probably get like that is because of your body building up too much adrenaline.

If you do not relate to either examples then that’s okay too but noticing the symptoms help you communicate with other people who may be anxious. Usually the obvious signs would be fidgeting, shaking, stuttering, talking too fast, inability to stay in one place, and lack of eye contact. Forsyth social worker Shana Louallen said, “A way to spot anxiety that is not always obvious is: walking around constantly looking like you’re in thought.” If you were someone who found themselves feeling any of the symptoms then the best way to cope is either to ground yourself or talk to someone about it. The worst thing to do is to pent it up inside because that allows your anxiety to manifest in your mind.

Anxiety disorder affects 50% of the population and only 36% of us actually get treatment for it. Knowing how to deal with someone who has anxiety could really help. If you see someone struggling with it try and talk about it with them. Don’t be too pushy and approach them with ease.