Signs of Anxiety: My Story and How to Tell If What You’re Feeling Is Anxiety

Signs of Anxiety: My Story and How to Tell If It’s Really Anxiety

Anxiety has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. There was a time when I couldn’t quite put a name to the restless feeling, the racing thoughts, and that sense of impending dread. All I knew was that it felt like a weight I carried everywhere, a heaviness that kept me from feeling fully free or at peace. My experience with anxiety eventually led me to create the icalm Stress Relief Shot, a natural solution that I hoped could offer the relief I’d been searching for. But my journey to find answers took years of medical treatment, confusion, and soul-searching, pushing me to understand the difference between anxiety and depression, and ultimately to explore natural treatments for social anxiety and general stress.

When You Don’t Know If It’s Anxiety or Depression

It all started with a visit to a mental health professional. I’d been struggling with my emotions for so long that I wondered if it wasn’t just me—maybe it was something deeper. My mental health condition was hard to explain, and even my psychiatrist wasn’t sure at first. She admitted she couldn’t tell if what I had was anxiety, depression, or a mix of both. So, to cover all bases, she prescribed both anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications.

For years, I took them faithfully, hoping they would calm the storm in my mind. And while they dampened some of my social anxiety symptoms, I felt a different kind of weight. The medications dampened not only my anxiety but also me, my spirit. I wasn’t entirely myself, and over time, my body began to feel the toll. After years of taking these medications, I discovered I’d developed a tumor in my right ovary, a diagnosis that rocked me to my core. This tumor was a very real consequence of the medications, affecting my fertility and my overall health in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

This wake-up call marked the start of my journey to find a different kind of relief—something natural that didn’t come with the same health risks. I began researching ways to deal with social anxiety and stress without side effects, and eventually, this led me to create the icalm Stress Relief Shot. My journey through mental health care, and the struggles of living with social anxiety and general anxiety, had given me an insight into what really works.

Anxiety vs. Depression: How to Know If It’s Really Anxiety

One of the hardest parts of anxiety is trying to understand if that’s really what you’re feeling. Many symptoms of social anxiety and depression can overlap, and it’s easy to wonder if what you’re feeling might be something else. Living with social anxiety, I often found myself questioning if my restlessness, worries, and need to avoid social situations were signs of anxiety or depression.

So, how can you tell if you have social anxiety or general anxiety? Here are some signs that make anxiety unique, including physical symptoms and mental signs that might help you understand your experience better.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

1. Overthinking and “What If” Scenarios
   Anxiety thrives on overthinking. For me, it was a never-ending loop of “what ifs.” Every little detail became something to analyze, and every outcome felt like something to worry about. If you find yourself lost in these types of thoughts, it could be anxiety. People with social anxiety often replay awkward social situations over and over, wondering what they could have done differently. It’s exhausting and is one of the most common symptoms of social anxiety.

2. Feeling Restless and On Edge
   Anxiety often feels like being on high alert, even when there’s no real danger. For me, it was this restless, uneasy feeling that something bad was just around the corner. People with social anxiety symptoms often experience this when meeting new people or preparing for social interactions. If you feel anxious, jumpy, or unable to relax, these could be signs of anxiety.

3. Physical Symptoms: Racing Heart, Muscle Tension, and Headaches
   Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind; it impacts the body too. I experienced constant muscle tension, a racing heart, and frequent headaches. These physical symptoms are your body’s response to perceived threats, even when the “threat” is just a thought. People with social anxiety often feel a shaky feeling, tense muscles, or an increased heart rate before or during social interactions.

4. Difficulty Sleeping or Staying Asleep
   Many nights, I found myself lying awake, unable to turn off my mind. I would either stay up thinking or wake up repeatedly, feeling anxious about the next day. If you struggle to get restful sleep because your mind won’t stop racing, anxiety could be the cause. Difficulty sleeping is a short-term and long-term challenge for people dealing with social anxiety or general anxiety.

5. Avoidance and Fear of Certain Situations
   Anxiety often makes us avoid situations or people, especially those we associate with stress. For me, this meant saying no to things I would have once enjoyed, out of fear that I wouldn’t be able to handle them without feeling overwhelmed. Avoiding social interactions, even when they’re important to you, is a common behavior among people with social anxiety.

Why I Created the icalm Stress Relief Shot

After experiencing side effects from medications, I realized there had to be a better way. I wanted relief that didn’t come with health risks. So I dedicated myself to researching, talking with health care professionals, and consulting experts to learn about natural alternatives to deal with anxiety. That’s how the icalm Stress Relief Shot came to be. Packed with active ingredients like amino acids, minerals, and botanicals, it’s designed to provide calm without drowsiness or jitteriness. It’s portable and made to help people with social anxiety or anyone who feels anxious find quick relief in their daily life.

How icalm Differs from Traditional Anxiety Medications

The icalm Stress Relief Shot is different because it doesn’t just mask symptoms. It works with your body to support natural calm, helping manage the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. Ingredients like Rhodiola Rosea, Passion Flower, Magnesium Glycinate, and L-Theanine are known to reduce stress and support mental wellness. I created icalm for people who want a natural way to manage anxiety, something that supports them without the side effects.

Finding Your Own Path to Calm

Anxiety doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re wondering, “Is it anxiety or something else?” I hope my story and these signs can help you better understand your experience. Living with social anxiety or general anxiety can be hard, but support groups, talk therapy, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. With support from a mental health professional, it’s possible to find treatments for social anxiety that help you feel more comfortable, even in awkward social situations.

I created icalm because I wanted a solution that felt natural, something that allowed me to feel like myself without the burden of side effects. If you’re looking for a way to deal with social anxiety or general stress, I encourage you to try icalm. You don’t have to go through this journey alone, and calm and clarity are within reach.

Final Thoughts

If you relate to any of these signs, know that you’re not alone. Living with social anxiety or general anxiety can be challenging, but with support from a mental health professional, you can find ways to deal with social anxiety and manage your symptoms in the long term. People with social anxiety and other anxiety-related medical conditions have options, and there are effective ways to feel less anxious in daily life.

With Love,
Daniela Suarez
Co-Founder & CEO, icalm Health

For all my Zen Ninjas: Stay grounded, stay calm.