Jun 9, 2025
Anxiety
Is It Anxiety or Something Else? How to Recognise the Signs Early
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in the UK — but it often goes unrecognised. That’s because anxiety doesn’t always present as nervousness or panic. In fact, it can look like tiredness, irritability, stomach problems, or even physical pain. For many people, the signs of anxiety are easy to miss or mistake for something else.
In 2025, as more people seek support for stress-related issues, it's essential to understand how anxiety manifests — and how it can disguise itself. Knowing what to look for can help you take early, meaningful steps toward feeling better.
This article will explore the early signs of anxiety, the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and when it’s time to seek support. If you’ve been feeling "off" but can’t quite explain why, this guide is for you.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS THAT OFTEN GO UNRECOGNISED
Anxiety affects the body as much as the mind. Often, people experience physical symptoms for months or even years without realising anxiety is the root cause.
Common physical signs include:
Tight chest or rapid heartbeat
Persistent stomach upset, IBS-like symptoms
Muscle tension or jaw clenching
Frequent headaches or migraines
Trouble sleeping or waking early with dread
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
These symptoms are caused by the body's stress response, which releases adrenaline and cortisol. Over time, this can wear down your immune system and lead to chronic issues if left untreated.
Because these signs can also indicate physical illness, anxiety is often misdiagnosed or overlooked — especially in busy adults who put their wellbeing last.
BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL CLUES
Beyond the physical, anxiety also influences our behaviour and thinking patterns. You may find yourself:
Overthinking small issues or replaying conversations in your head
Avoiding certain places, people, or tasks
Feeling easily irritated or overwhelmed
Constantly needing reassurance from others
Struggling to focus or complete routine tasks
Feeling detached from reality or unable to relax
These behaviours often become coping strategies — but they can make anxiety worse over time. What starts as "being extra cautious" or "just needing time alone" can spiral into withdrawal, social anxiety, or burnout if not addressed.
Anxiety can also mimic or overlap with conditions like depression, ADHD, or even physical illnesses, making early recognition all the more important.
ANXIETY VS. EVERYDAY WORRY — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
It’s normal to feel anxious before a big life event or when under pressure. But clinical anxiety goes further. The key differences include:
Duration: Everyday worry is temporary; anxiety lasts weeks or months
Intensity: Anxiety causes significant distress and may feel out of proportion to the situation
Impact: Anxiety interferes with your sleep, work, relationships, or health
Control: With anxiety, you often feel powerless to stop the cycle of worry
When anxiety starts to shape your decisions, daily routines, or sense of identity, it’s time to take it seriously. This is especially true if symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks or are worsening.
WHEN AND HOW TO SEEK HELP
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, early support can prevent anxiety from becoming more entrenched.
Signs it’s time to reach out include:
Your symptoms are getting worse or interfering with life
You’re using alcohol, food, or distractions to cope
Loved ones have noticed a change in your behaviour
You’re tired of feeling stuck, disconnected, or out of control
Therapy provides a space to understand what’s driving your anxiety, develop emotional regulation tools, and make lasting changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments, but integrative approaches and mindfulness-based therapy can also be powerful, depending on your needs.
Whether your anxiety is new or something you’ve managed alone for years, support is available — and recovery is possible.
Takeaway Advice
At Manchester Counselling, we know that anxiety can creep in slowly — often masked as physical illness, irritability, or exhaustion. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is anxiety, talking to a therapist can bring clarity and relief.
We’ll help you understand your symptoms and match you with a therapist who fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals. In-person and online options are available to suit your preferences.
If something feels off, trust that instinct — and take the next step toward support. Explore our therapist options or book your first session today.
Sources
NHS. (2024). Recognising signs of anxiety. https://www.nhs.uk
Mind. (2023). Physical effects of anxiety. https://www.mind.org.uk
Anxiety UK. (2023). What does anxiety feel like? https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation. (2023). Understanding anxiety symptoms. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
BACP. (2024). When to seek therapy. https://www.bacp.co.uk
Subject Areas
early signs of anxiety
anxiety symptoms checklist
physical symptoms of anxiety
is it anxiety or something else
how to recognise anxiety
therapy for anxiety UK
anxiety diagnosis UK
CBT Manchester
online counselling for anxiety
therapist for anxiety near me
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes practical mental health guidance in plain English, with care, accuracy, and a focus on what genuinely helps.
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Jun 9, 2025
Anxiety
Is It Anxiety or Something Else? How to Recognise the Signs Early
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in the UK — but it often goes unrecognised. That’s because anxiety doesn’t always present as nervousness or panic. In fact, it can look like tiredness, irritability, stomach problems, or even physical pain. For many people, the signs of anxiety are easy to miss or mistake for something else.
In 2025, as more people seek support for stress-related issues, it's essential to understand how anxiety manifests — and how it can disguise itself. Knowing what to look for can help you take early, meaningful steps toward feeling better.
This article will explore the early signs of anxiety, the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and when it’s time to seek support. If you’ve been feeling "off" but can’t quite explain why, this guide is for you.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS THAT OFTEN GO UNRECOGNISED
Anxiety affects the body as much as the mind. Often, people experience physical symptoms for months or even years without realising anxiety is the root cause.
Common physical signs include:
Tight chest or rapid heartbeat
Persistent stomach upset, IBS-like symptoms
Muscle tension or jaw clenching
Frequent headaches or migraines
Trouble sleeping or waking early with dread
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
These symptoms are caused by the body's stress response, which releases adrenaline and cortisol. Over time, this can wear down your immune system and lead to chronic issues if left untreated.
Because these signs can also indicate physical illness, anxiety is often misdiagnosed or overlooked — especially in busy adults who put their wellbeing last.
BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL CLUES
Beyond the physical, anxiety also influences our behaviour and thinking patterns. You may find yourself:
Overthinking small issues or replaying conversations in your head
Avoiding certain places, people, or tasks
Feeling easily irritated or overwhelmed
Constantly needing reassurance from others
Struggling to focus or complete routine tasks
Feeling detached from reality or unable to relax
These behaviours often become coping strategies — but they can make anxiety worse over time. What starts as "being extra cautious" or "just needing time alone" can spiral into withdrawal, social anxiety, or burnout if not addressed.
Anxiety can also mimic or overlap with conditions like depression, ADHD, or even physical illnesses, making early recognition all the more important.
ANXIETY VS. EVERYDAY WORRY — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
It’s normal to feel anxious before a big life event or when under pressure. But clinical anxiety goes further. The key differences include:
Duration: Everyday worry is temporary; anxiety lasts weeks or months
Intensity: Anxiety causes significant distress and may feel out of proportion to the situation
Impact: Anxiety interferes with your sleep, work, relationships, or health
Control: With anxiety, you often feel powerless to stop the cycle of worry
When anxiety starts to shape your decisions, daily routines, or sense of identity, it’s time to take it seriously. This is especially true if symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks or are worsening.
WHEN AND HOW TO SEEK HELP
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, early support can prevent anxiety from becoming more entrenched.
Signs it’s time to reach out include:
Your symptoms are getting worse or interfering with life
You’re using alcohol, food, or distractions to cope
Loved ones have noticed a change in your behaviour
You’re tired of feeling stuck, disconnected, or out of control
Therapy provides a space to understand what’s driving your anxiety, develop emotional regulation tools, and make lasting changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments, but integrative approaches and mindfulness-based therapy can also be powerful, depending on your needs.
Whether your anxiety is new or something you’ve managed alone for years, support is available — and recovery is possible.
Takeaway Advice
At Manchester Counselling, we know that anxiety can creep in slowly — often masked as physical illness, irritability, or exhaustion. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is anxiety, talking to a therapist can bring clarity and relief.
We’ll help you understand your symptoms and match you with a therapist who fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals. In-person and online options are available to suit your preferences.
If something feels off, trust that instinct — and take the next step toward support. Explore our therapist options or book your first session today.
Sources
NHS. (2024). Recognising signs of anxiety. https://www.nhs.uk
Mind. (2023). Physical effects of anxiety. https://www.mind.org.uk
Anxiety UK. (2023). What does anxiety feel like? https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation. (2023). Understanding anxiety symptoms. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
BACP. (2024). When to seek therapy. https://www.bacp.co.uk
Subject Areas
early signs of anxiety
anxiety symptoms checklist
physical symptoms of anxiety
is it anxiety or something else
how to recognise anxiety
therapy for anxiety UK
anxiety diagnosis UK
CBT Manchester
online counselling for anxiety
therapist for anxiety near me
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes practical mental health guidance in plain English, with care, accuracy, and a focus on what genuinely helps.
Related Articles
Workplace Culture and Mental Health: How your environment shapes your wellbeing
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Drawing the Line: How to Set Better Work-Life Boundaries in a 24/7 World
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Recognising and Recovering from Burnout: A Guide to Getting Back on Track
Manchester Counselling Therapy Team
Privacy and Confidentiality in Online Therapy: What You Need to Know
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
What to Expect in Your First Online Therapy Session
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
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Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says About Virtual Counselling
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Categories
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Relationships
Online Therapy
Work Life Balance
Wellness
Manchester
Jun 9, 2025
Anxiety
Is It Anxiety or Something Else? How to Recognise the Signs Early
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in the UK — but it often goes unrecognised. That’s because anxiety doesn’t always present as nervousness or panic. In fact, it can look like tiredness, irritability, stomach problems, or even physical pain. For many people, the signs of anxiety are easy to miss or mistake for something else.
In 2025, as more people seek support for stress-related issues, it's essential to understand how anxiety manifests — and how it can disguise itself. Knowing what to look for can help you take early, meaningful steps toward feeling better.
This article will explore the early signs of anxiety, the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and when it’s time to seek support. If you’ve been feeling "off" but can’t quite explain why, this guide is for you.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS THAT OFTEN GO UNRECOGNISED
Anxiety affects the body as much as the mind. Often, people experience physical symptoms for months or even years without realising anxiety is the root cause.
Common physical signs include:
Tight chest or rapid heartbeat
Persistent stomach upset, IBS-like symptoms
Muscle tension or jaw clenching
Frequent headaches or migraines
Trouble sleeping or waking early with dread
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
These symptoms are caused by the body's stress response, which releases adrenaline and cortisol. Over time, this can wear down your immune system and lead to chronic issues if left untreated.
Because these signs can also indicate physical illness, anxiety is often misdiagnosed or overlooked — especially in busy adults who put their wellbeing last.
BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL CLUES
Beyond the physical, anxiety also influences our behaviour and thinking patterns. You may find yourself:
Overthinking small issues or replaying conversations in your head
Avoiding certain places, people, or tasks
Feeling easily irritated or overwhelmed
Constantly needing reassurance from others
Struggling to focus or complete routine tasks
Feeling detached from reality or unable to relax
These behaviours often become coping strategies — but they can make anxiety worse over time. What starts as "being extra cautious" or "just needing time alone" can spiral into withdrawal, social anxiety, or burnout if not addressed.
Anxiety can also mimic or overlap with conditions like depression, ADHD, or even physical illnesses, making early recognition all the more important.
ANXIETY VS. EVERYDAY WORRY — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
It’s normal to feel anxious before a big life event or when under pressure. But clinical anxiety goes further. The key differences include:
Duration: Everyday worry is temporary; anxiety lasts weeks or months
Intensity: Anxiety causes significant distress and may feel out of proportion to the situation
Impact: Anxiety interferes with your sleep, work, relationships, or health
Control: With anxiety, you often feel powerless to stop the cycle of worry
When anxiety starts to shape your decisions, daily routines, or sense of identity, it’s time to take it seriously. This is especially true if symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks or are worsening.
WHEN AND HOW TO SEEK HELP
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, early support can prevent anxiety from becoming more entrenched.
Signs it’s time to reach out include:
Your symptoms are getting worse or interfering with life
You’re using alcohol, food, or distractions to cope
Loved ones have noticed a change in your behaviour
You’re tired of feeling stuck, disconnected, or out of control
Therapy provides a space to understand what’s driving your anxiety, develop emotional regulation tools, and make lasting changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments, but integrative approaches and mindfulness-based therapy can also be powerful, depending on your needs.
Whether your anxiety is new or something you’ve managed alone for years, support is available — and recovery is possible.
Takeaway Advice
At Manchester Counselling, we know that anxiety can creep in slowly — often masked as physical illness, irritability, or exhaustion. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is anxiety, talking to a therapist can bring clarity and relief.
We’ll help you understand your symptoms and match you with a therapist who fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals. In-person and online options are available to suit your preferences.
If something feels off, trust that instinct — and take the next step toward support. Explore our therapist options or book your first session today.
Sources
NHS. (2024). Recognising signs of anxiety. https://www.nhs.uk
Mind. (2023). Physical effects of anxiety. https://www.mind.org.uk
Anxiety UK. (2023). What does anxiety feel like? https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation. (2023). Understanding anxiety symptoms. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
BACP. (2024). When to seek therapy. https://www.bacp.co.uk
Subject Areas
early signs of anxiety
anxiety symptoms checklist
physical symptoms of anxiety
is it anxiety or something else
how to recognise anxiety
therapy for anxiety UK
anxiety diagnosis UK
CBT Manchester
online counselling for anxiety
therapist for anxiety near me
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes practical mental health guidance in plain English, with care, accuracy, and a focus on what genuinely helps.
Related Articles
Workplace Culture and Mental Health: How your environment shapes your wellbeing
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Drawing the Line: How to Set Better Work-Life Boundaries in a 24/7 World
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Recognising and Recovering from Burnout: A Guide to Getting Back on Track
Manchester Counselling Therapy Team
Privacy and Confidentiality in Online Therapy: What You Need to Know
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
What to Expect in Your First Online Therapy Session
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Manchester Editorial Team
Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says About Virtual Counselling
Manchester Counselling Therapy Team
Categories
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Relationships
Online Therapy
Work Life Balance
Wellness
Manchester