Anxiety disorders affect millions of people annually. Still, the symptoms are subtle, private, and easy to miss – especially when they involve someone you care about.
People living with anxiety often go out of their way to hide their distress, putting on a calm, collected face even when they’re internally panicking. Fear of judgment, a desire to avoid burdening others, and an ingrained sense of shame may motivate anxious people to suffer in silence.
Why Do People Hide Their Anxiety?
There are many reasons someone may mask their anxiety:
- Fear of gaining a reputation as weak or overly sensitive
- Worry that others will dismiss or minimize their feelings
- Embarrassment about physical symptoms or panic episodes
- A strong desire to appear competent, stable, and in control
- Not wanting to “burden” friends or family members
Anxious people become skilled at masking their symptoms, even amid intense internal distress. That’s why you must pay attention to what your loved one says and how they behave.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Loved Ones
Anxiety looks different for everyone, but some symptoms are more recognizable. Be alert for:
- Restlessness or irritability
- Constant worry or fear, especially about things others might find insignificant or easy to manage
- Avoiding social situations or difficult conversations
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Fatigue or low energy from mental exhaustion
- Eating too much or too little
- Frequent reassurance-seeking (“Are you mad at me?” “Is everything OK?”)
- Panic attacks, which may include chest tightness, rapid breathing, or dizziness
Lesser-Known or Hidden Anxiety Symptoms
While many people are aware of the classic signs of anxiety, others can be more subtle – or misinterpreted as quirks or personality traits. These include:
- Sweating or flushed skin, even in cool environments
- Shaking or trembling, often triggered by adrenaline
- Self-soothing with stimming behaviors, such as humming, fidgeting, nail biting, or hair twirling
- Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth (especially at night)
- Blanking out in conversations due to mental overwhelm
- Hyperproductivity or perfectionism, used as a distraction from internal chaos
- Overapologizing or being excessively self-critical
- Difficulty making decisions, no matter how small
- Subtle avoidance, like not returning texts, canceling plans at the last minute, or staying quiet in group settings
Someone with anxiety might explain away their symptoms as being “tired,” “busy,” or “not feeling well” – but these patterns may point to something deeper.
How You Can Offer Support
If you believe a loved one is struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to confront them aggressively or have all the answers. What matters most is offering a safe space and a willingness to listen.
- Check in without pressure: Ask how they feel without demanding a specific explanation.
- Validate their experience: Let them know it’s OK to feel anxious and that you’re not judging them.
- Be patient: Healing from anxiety takes time, and pushing someone too hard can increase their discomfort.
- Educate yourself: Understanding anxiety can help you become a more informed, empathetic support system.
When to Seek Professional Help
At Palm Springs Behavioral Health, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care for anxiety and related mental health concerns. Our team of clinicians helps clients uncover the root causes of anxiety, develop healthier coping strategies, and reclaim calm and control.
It’s time to ask for treatment if anxiety significantly affects your loved one’s sleep, work, relationships, or physical health. Untreated anxiety can worsen over time and increase the risk of depression or substance use.
We provide:
- Mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches
- Medication management when appropriate
- Education and tools for loved ones to better understand and support the healing process
- A safe, stigma-free environment where every client receives respectful treatment
Let Them Know They’re Not Alone
Don’t wait for a crisis. Help your loved ones recognize the less obvious signs of anxiety so they can start healing. Sometimes, a gentle conversation or simple expression of care is all it takes to open the door.
If someone you love is struggling with anxiety, help is available. Palm Springs Behavioral Health is here to guide you – and them – toward peace of mind. Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
