Anxiety is a perfectly normal part of life, especially during times of change, challenge, or uncertainty. What happens, though, when you feel anxious for seemingly no reason, or even after the anxiety-causing event ends, the anxiety feelings don’t go away? For many young adults, this is how they feel every day. Their feelings of worry and stress go beyond just occasional nerves, in some instances becoming so severe that it interferes with their daily lives.
Anxiety disorders are actually one of the more common mental health issues affecting young adults, people between the ages of 18 and 25. Despite how common they are, they often get overlooked or go undiagnosed for a variety of reasons. Being able to recognize the signs of anxiety in young adults can go a long way in getting the right support and treatment, whether that is for you or someone you know.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the biggest signs and symptoms associated with anxiety in young adults, as well as ways you or your loved one can get the help they need.
Understanding Anxiety in Young Adults
Before we take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety, it’s important to understand the relationship young adults have with anxiety.
Like all mental health conditions, anxiety can manifest differently in everyone, including young adults. Some may experience chronic nervousness, while others struggle with physical symptoms like fatigue or stomach pain. It’s also important to remember that anxiety and an anxiety disorder are two different things. Those with anxiety disorders tend to experience the symptoms of anxiety for no real reason, sometimes to the point where it affects their ability to go about their daily lives.
Common types of anxiety disorders seen in young adults include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Why Anxiety Is Common During Young Adulthood
Young adulthood is filled with a number of changes and transitions, all of which can be stressful on their own. Leaving home, starting college or a career, building relationships, and figuring out long-term goals can all cause stress and anxiety independently. When combined, though, the anxiety these events produce can be overwhelming, to the point where it can begin to affect a person’s overall health and well-being.
While all this is happening externally, internally, the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for decision-making and emotional control, is still developing, and continues to develop well into a person’s 20s. As a result, young adults are more vulnerable to emotional dysregulation and heightened stress responses.
General Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
As we mentioned, anxiety can manifest in different ways in different people. That being said, there are some general signs of anxiety that young adults tend to show, such as:
- Persistent worry or fear that seems excessive
- Difficulty concentrating or staying present
- Feeling on edge or restless
- Sleep disturbances (either insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Physical tension or discomfort
- Avoidance of certain people, places, or situations
Let’s take a deeper look at some of these signs and symptoms below:
Emotional Signs of Anxiety in Young Adults
Emotional symptoms are often the first signs of anxiety in young adults. Some of the more common emotional signs of anxiety include:
One of the more common signs of anxiety among people of all ages is excessive, uncontrollable worry. For young adults specifically, this worry often centers around things like school, work performance, relationships, finances, or health, even when there’s little to no actual threat.
Anxiety doesn’t always manifest as fear or nervousness. Many young adults become easily frustrated, angry, or emotionally volatile. These mood swings can affect relationships and make daily interactions more challenging.
Young adults with anxiety can sometimes feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks such as something as simple as responding to emails. This can spiral into a sense of dread or hopelessness, particularly if the anxiety remains untreated.
Behavioral Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can also manifest itself behaviorally. Some examples include:
One of the biggest behavioral signs is avoidance. If someone is skipping classes, avoiding work obligations, declining social invitations, or no longer participating in previously enjoyed activities, it could be a sign that their anxiety is taking over in an unhealthy manner.
In many young adults, anxiety can make even seemingly simple decision-making feel paralyzing. As a result, they may struggle to commit to plans or choices or even procrastinate on assignments or projects out of fear of failure or being judged. This can often lead to missed opportunities both personally and professionally.
Disrupted routines, especially sleep and eating patterns, can also be common. Some young adults may eat less due to a nervous stomach, while others may overeat for comfort. Likewise, they may sleep less due to racing thoughts or restlessness, or they may sleep too much as a way to escape from anxious feelings.
Physical Symptoms That Often Go Unnoticed
Then there are the physical symptoms. Despite being outward, these symptoms are often overlooked or even misdiagnosed. Examples include:
Constant worrying takes a physical toll. Many young adults with anxiety report feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. Physical fatigue can lead to mental fatigue, which can impact concentration and productivity.
Anxiety commonly causes physical discomfort, especially in the form of tension headaches, nausea, digestive issues, or tightness in the neck and shoulders.
During high-stress moments, the body can enter a fight-or-flight response. This may lead to rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or feeling faint.
Social Anxiety in Young Adults
Social anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety in young adults and is characterized by an intense fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social or performance situations.
Signs of social anxiety include:
- Avoiding group settings, public speaking, or dating
- Feeling physically ill before social events
- Replaying social interactions obsessively afterward
- Overanalyzing how they’re perceived by others
Social anxiety, especially at the age of a young adult, can be particularly crippling. It can make it difficult to build friendships, network professionally, or enjoy college and work life.
Panic Attacks: What to Watch For
In some extreme cases, anxiety can eventually turn into a full-blown panic attack. When this happens, the person may experience one or more of the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Racing heart
- Shaking or sweating
- A fear of losing control or dying
The Impact of Anxiety on Academic and Work Performance
We’ve mentioned it briefly, but it bears repeating. Unchecked anxiety can severely impact a young adult’s academic or professional performance, resulting in struggles with focus, memory, time management, and motivation. This can ultimately lead to poor grades, dropping out of school, or frequent job struggles.
In some instances, the fear of being judged or failing may keep the person from trying altogether, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Anxiety and Substance Use in Young Adults
Since these issues with anxiety often go untreated or unnoticed in young adults, they may find themselves turning to substances of abuse as a way to self-medicate and feel better. As is the case with anyone doing this, self-medicating in this manner can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, starting a vicious cycle where they self-medicate to get rid of the anxiety, only for the substances they are using to ultimately exacerbate their anxiety, leading to them taking more and more of said substance.
How to Talk to a Young Adult About Their Mental Health
If you suspect a young adult in your life is struggling with anxiety, while it’s important to encourage them to get help, it’s also important to do it in a manner that promotes empathy, not judgment. Avoid dismissing their feelings or offering unsolicited advice, while also encouraging them to talk to a therapist or healthcare provider for professional guidance.
Diagnosing Anxiety in Young Adults: What to Expect
If they do decide to seek professional help, the first step is to undergo diagnostic testing. This includes:
- A clinical interview to understand symptoms and history
- Screening questionnaires
- A physical exam to rule out medical causes
Once diagnosed, treatment options can be tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs and goals.
Effective Treatment Options for Anxiety
So, what are some of the treatment options that may be recommended? Let’s take a look at some below:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and learn healthier ways to cope.
Other forms of therapy that may be used in conjunction with CBT, or on their own, include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Exposure Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Group Therapy
For some young adults, medication can be a helpful part of treatment, especially if anxiety is severe or accompanied by depression.
Common medications include:
- SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft, Lexapro)
- SNRIs (e.g., Effexor)
- Beta-blockers or benzodiazepines
Young adults can also benefit from lifestyle changes that support mental health, such as:
- Regular physical activity
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Journaling or creative expression
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol
- Establishing consistent sleep and meal routines
Get Help for Anxiety in Young Adults at First City Recovery Center
At First City Recovery Center, we understand the unique challenges young adults face when dealing with anxiety. Whether anxiety is impacting school, work, or relationships, we’re here to guide young adults toward healing, growth, and lasting relief.
Contact us today to learn more about our anxiety treatment programs and how we can help you or a loved one get control of their life back.
MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vahid Osman, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Osman completed a residency at Austin State Hospital. He has over 32 years of experience in Psychiatry & Behavioral Health. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
