“I’m fine.” But was she really?

Marta, 42 years old, was the person everyone saw as strong. At work, she was efficient; at home, present for her children; on social media, always smiling. Yet, for weeks, she felt tightness in her chest, couldn’t sleep, and even the simplest decisions felt overwhelming.

She thought it was just tiredness or stress. It was during a routine appointment that she first heard: “You might be suffering from anxiety.”

Like Marta, many people live with hidden anxiety, unaware that physical and emotional symptoms aren’t just “part of life” — they are warning signs from the body and mind.

According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders affect over 300 million people worldwide. Many remain undiagnosed because their symptoms are misunderstood or hidden.

What is hidden anxiety?

Anxiety doesn’t always appear as a panic attack or visible nervousness. Often, it manifests quietly — through socially accepted behaviors like over-productivity, perfectionism, or recurring physical symptoms.

Psychologists refer to this as high-functioning anxiety — people who seem calm, successful, and sociable, but internally live with constant worry, fear, and mental overload.

Silent symptoms we shouldn’t ignore

Anxiety has many forms. Recognizing the more subtle signs can prevent worsening and protect mental health:

• Overthinking, even for the simplest decisions
• Constant restlessness
• Frequent need for reassurance or validation
• Physical symptoms like digestive issues, chest tightness, frequent colds
• Perfectionism and fear of failure
• Irritability or sudden mood swings
• Chronic fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry revealed that over 60% of people with anxiety first seek medical help for physical — not emotional — symptoms.

Who is most at risk?

Hidden anxiety can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable:

• Women aged 30 to 50 juggling multiple roles (mother, professional, caregiver)
• Perfectionists and highly responsible individuals
• People with a history of trauma or prolonged stress during childhood
• Healthcare professionals and caregivers who are always caring for others

Social media and cultural pressure to “handle everything” often make the problem worse, leading people to hide their symptoms for years.

How to deal with hidden anxiety

The first step is recognition. Naming your anxiety turns it from an invisible burden into something you can manage.

🧠 1. Listen to your body

Headaches, muscle tension, or recurring digestive problems may be warning signs — not just “coincidences.”

💬 2. Talk to someone you trust

Whether it’s a therapist, doctor, or close friend — expressing how you feel is a key step toward healing.

📵 3. Take digital breaks

Constant comparison on social media feeds anxiety. Disconnect. Walk. Breathe without screens.

🧘‍♀️ 4. Use self-regulation techniques

Mindfulness, journaling, and conscious breathing help calm the racing mind.

💊 5. Seek professional help

There’s no weakness in asking for help. Therapy or medication, when needed, are powerful tools for transformation.

Marta’s turning point: from silence to balance

After her diagnosis, Marta began therapy. She set small boundaries at work and home. Her migraines eased, her nights became calmer, and — for the first time in years — she felt light inside.

“I’m not weak,” she says today. “I just didn’t realize how much I was carrying alone.”

Conclusion: don’t wait until it screams

Hidden anxiety whispers. It shows up as fatigue, tension, perfectionism, and mental overload. But it doesn’t need to scream to be taken seriously.

If you recognize yourself in these signs, don’t ignore them. Anxiety is common — and treatable.

You are not alone. And you don’t have to pretend anymore.

💬 Share this article with someone who might need it. It could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for.