We all have our moments of anxiety, but for some of us, it’s a constant companion.

Living with deep-seated anxiety can be like wearing a pair of glasses with a subtle prescription. It’s influencing how you see the world, even if you don’t realize it. It’s so ingrained in you that certain behaviors become second nature.

And the tricky part? You might not even recognize these behaviors as signs of your anxiety.

So, let’s pull back that curtain. Here are seven things you might not realize you’re doing simply because you’re a deeply anxious person.

1) Overthinking every decision

Living with deep-seated anxiety often feels like having your brain stuck in overdrive.

Even the smallest decisions can become a mental marathon. From choosing what to wear in the morning to deciding what to eat for dinner, each choice becomes a battleground of ‘what ifs’.

Here’s the kicker – you might not even realize you’re doing it. It’s just how your brain operates.

This constant overthinking is not just exhausting, it’s a sign of your underlying anxiety. Recognizing it is the first step towards managing it better.

Just remember, it’s okay to make decisions without analyzing every possible outcome. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.

2) Apologizing excessively

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself saying ‘sorry’ in a day. For things that aren’t even my fault. Dropping a pen? “Sorry!” Someone bumps into me? “Sorry!”

It took me a long time to realize that this habitual apologizing was a manifestation of my anxiety. I was so afraid of inconveniencing others or being a burden that I automatically apologized for everything.

If you’re like me and find yourself constantly apologizing, take a moment to ask yourself why. You might discover, as I did, that it’s your anxiety speaking, not you.

3) Constantly seeking reassurance

You know that feeling when you’ve sent a text message or an email and haven’t received a response yet? That nagging worry that maybe you said something wrong, or they’re mad at you, or you’ve somehow messed up?

That’s a common experience for those of us with deep-seated anxiety. We often seek reassurance to quiet these worries and doubts.

A study in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that individuals with high levels of anxiety are more likely to seek reassurance, even when they know it may not help.

So if you find yourself constantly seeking validation or reassurance from others, it could be your anxiety speaking. It’s time to recognize this and start building confidence in your own decisions and actions.

4) Avoiding social events

Have you ever found yourself making up excuses to avoid going to a social event, even though part of you wanted to go? That’s anxiety at work.

Anxiety has a way of creating worst-case scenarios in our minds about social situations. You might worry about not fitting in, saying the wrong thing, or simply being overwhelmed by the crowd.

This avoidance might seem like just a preference for staying in. But it could be a sign that your anxiety is influencing your choices more than you realize.

Being aware of this can help you push past your comfort zone and start engaging more with the world around you.

5) Trouble sleeping

In the quiet of the night, when all you want to do is shut your eyes and drift off to sleep, that’s when your mind decides to play a highlight reel of all your worries and fears.

I’ve spent countless nights staring at the ceiling, my brain buzzing with anxiety.

Finding yourself struggling for sleep because your mind won’t switch off, it could be a sign of deep-seated anxiety. We often underestimate how much anxiety can impact our sleep pattern. Recognizing this could be the first step towards finding solutions for better sleep.

6) Procrastinating tasks

Procrastination is often linked to perfectionism, which in turn is closely tied to anxiety. If you’re constantly putting off tasks because you’re worried about not doing them perfectly, that’s your anxiety talking.

Anxiety can make us fear failure so much that we’d rather not try at all. But remember, progress is always better than perfection.

If you’re struggling with procrastination, it might be time to address the underlying anxiety, and take the first step, no matter how small.

7) Constant self-doubt

At the heart of deep-seated anxiety often lies a core of self-doubt. You question your abilities, your worth, your every decision. This constant self-questioning can be exhausting and damaging to your self-esteem.

Remember, you are more capable and deserving than your anxiety allows you to believe.

Knowing this self-doubt as a symptom of your anxiety is the first step towards reclaiming your confidence.

Final thought: It’s more common than you think

Dealing with anxiety can often feel isolating, but the reality is, you’re far from alone.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults every year. That’s approximately 18% of the population.

It’s important to understand that these behaviors aren’t flaws or personal failures. They’re simply manifestations of anxiety, a condition that many people share.

These behaviors coming to light in yourself is a powerful first step. It’s an opportunity for self-awareness and understanding, a starting point for seeking help if you need it.

Remember, there’s no shame in experiencing anxiety. It doesn’t define you. And with recognition and support, it’s entirely manageable. You’re much stronger than you think.