Can other people tell when I'm anxious?
calmLove29
on
Dec 28, 2015
...read more
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
on
Dec 20, 2014
...read more
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
on
Jan 4, 2015
...read more
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
on
Nov 24, 2014
...read more
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
on
Feb 29, 2016
...read more
How often do you spend time with friends or other people that make you feel uncomfortable or anxious?
JesseK1022
on
Dec 7, 2014
...read more
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
on
Dec 28, 2014
...read more
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
on
Mar 22, 2016
...read more
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.
Anonymous
on
Apr 10, 2015
...read more
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
on
Aug 3, 2015
...read more
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.
HelenTheWiseOne
on
Sep 29, 2015
...read more
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
on
Jan 11, 2016
...read more
Yes. When you start being defensive towards other people comment about you. Frowning and raising your voice.
Anonymous
on
Nov 24, 2014
...read more
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
on
Dec 14, 2014
...read more
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
on
Jan 15, 2018
...read more
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.
OptimisticListener00
on
Jun 4, 2018
...read more
Yes, my mother always knows by my text/voice and action. She even knows when I am lying lmao. -Love Michael
Anonymous
on
Apr 12, 2015
...read more
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
on
Jan 30, 2017
...read more
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
on
Dec 4, 2017
...read more
Most of the time, no. It is easier for somebody with anxiety to tell when you're anxious then somebody without.
Mayaisthename
on
Nov 28, 2014
...read more
Yes, if they can see it, if you not sure then you should search more about it and find out more.
Talk to an expert therapist
A very good listener who provides thoughtful guidance and understanding.
Reviewed Jan 14, 2025
Talk to Alisha NowCan anxiety cause me to feel depressed?
343 Answers
The Facebook "Seen" message gives me a lot of anxiety! When I see that the person has "seen" the message, but does not reply, I start thinking about all the possible reasons why they would 'ignore' me... Does anyone else feel this? If so, how do you cope?
320 Answers
How can I overcome anxiety if I can't talk to a therapist or my own doctor?
307 Answers
What are alternative ways besides medication to deal with the physical symptoms of anxiety?
307 Answers
Is it normal to feel more anxious when you're alone?
307 Answers
Is it normal to feel scared to go to college?
306 Answers
Communities