Anxiety Alone: Secret Behaviors

Here are five things people with anxiety may secretly do when they're alone:

Rehearsing Conversations:

Individuals with anxiety often find themselves rehearsing conversations in their minds, especially ones they anticipate having in the future. They might replay scenarios over and over, trying to predict responses and plan their own reactions.

Avoidance Behaviors:

This can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding certain places, people, or situations that trigger anxiety. They may stay home instead of attending social events or find excuses to cancel plans at the last minute.

Seeking Reassurance:

People with anxiety might seek reassurance from themselves or others, repeatedly asking questions like "Did I do that right?" or "Do you still like me?" This reassurance-seeking behavior can temporarily alleviate anxiety but often becomes a repetitive cycle.

Engaging in Rituals:

Ritualistic behaviors, also known as compulsions, are common among individuals with anxiety disorders like OCD. These rituals can be physical actions (like checking locks repeatedly) or mental routines (like counting or reciting specific phrases) performed to reduce anxiety or prevent perceived harm.

Overthinking:

Ruminating on past events or worrying excessively about the future is a hallmark of anxiety. When alone, people with anxiety may find themselves trapped in cycles of overthinking, analyzing every detail of past interactions or catastrophizing about potential future outcomes.