psychology
5 phrases you can use to recognize anxious people
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Fears and anxiety disorders manifest themselves in different ways in different people. For example, these statements can be subtle signs that a person is overly anxious.
Fear in itself is not only natural, we even need it: Because it is a warning signal from our brain that a possible danger is lurking. Our ancestors depended on this alarm function so that they could react quickly if they encountered a saber-toothed tiger, for example. In today’s much more complex world, however, we use fear as a warning sign much less frequently – at least if we are lucky enough to live in a safe country and a safe environment.
The problem: Our brain hasn’t really changed since the time of the saber-toothed tiger and still works almost exactly as it did in prehistoric humans. Among other things, this means that we sometimes panic even though there is actually no real danger. people under Those who suffer from anxiety disorders experience this particularly frequently. However, many are also pretty good at hiding their fears. These five phrases can be subtle signs.
Subtle signals: You can recognize anxious people by these sentences
1. “I need more info”
Anxious people are particularly stressed when they don’t know what to expect. That’s why they want to know everything as precisely as possible. When does it start, what does the route look like, what exactly will happen, who will be there, what is the parking situation like? These are all questions that people can ask out of their fear. The more they know, the more control they have—or at least that’s what their fear tries to tell them.
2. “We had discussed that differently”
It is similar with the next sentence. Anxious people don’t like spontaneous changes to their plans at all. In order to control their fear, they like to have all the information they need, so they can – at least internally – optimally prepare themselves. Then, when there is a change for a party, vacation, or other potentially stressful situation, it can trigger panic.
3. “I can’t decide”
It is very typical of people with generalized anxiety disorder that they find it extremely difficult to make decisions. This can sometimes be exhausting for those around you. However, there is usually no disinterest or the like behind this, but a great fear of making the wrong decision. They therefore think through every possible outcome of the pending decision and every eventuality, no matter how improbable. This fear can become so great that the person feels paralyzed and unable to make a decision.
4. “I have to get out of here”
Situations with many people and impressions can overwhelm anxious people. If they do try and go to the festival, for example, which they had great respect for with its volume and all its crowd fairs, it is quite possible that they will be overcome by an escape reflex as soon as it becomes too much for them. Instead of explaining what’s going on, they leave the situation as quickly as possible: the “fight or flight” reaction in the brain is triggered – fear leaves nothing to do but flee.
5. “This is the worst thing that can happen”
Those who are plagued by fears often have a tendency to catastrophize. Anxious people often assume the worst possible outcome. Objectively harmless situations like a late train or a dropped phone make them panic. Even reassuring words cannot get her out of her desperation. Once someone is in disaster mode and the fear brain has taken over the situation, the person often finds it difficult to find their way out and loses an objective view of the situation.
Sources used: healthline.com, heysigmund.com, bustle.com