Do I Have Anxiety? Use This Symptoms Checklist to Find Out

Caroline lay awake in bed, after hitting her snooze for the 3rd time, thinking through the day ahead. The “what ifs” begin to cascade through her mind. What if her boss is disappointed with the presentation she prepared? What if her car breaks down? What if the kids get sick? What if the headaches she had recently were something serious?

All her thoughts caused tension in her shoulders and worry to cloud her mind. This was not an isolated occurrence but something she struggled with daily. At times, she could be rational and not let the worry win. But too often she asked herself, “Why can’t I let go of these thoughts and just relax?”

Do you relate to Caroline? Is your mind crowded with “what ifs”?

While anxiety feels overwhelming, it is common and normal. In the U.S., 40 million adults face anxiety. Women are twice as likely to have anxiety. It affects all ages and backgrounds.

Anxiety is not a sinful condition; it is a natural response to a fallen, broken world. Rather than reflecting a lack of trust in God, anxiety can draw us closer to Him. As Proverbs 3:5-7 (CSB) reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Jesus wants us to bring our concerns to Him, and as we journey through life, we will encounter troubles that may spark many emotions.

Everyone will struggle with worry at some point. Occasional concern is human and, at times, wise. Many things contribute to feelings of anxiousness: busyness, over-commitment, life changes, losses, and world events. The list goes on.

Excessive worry that interferes with daily life – such as interruptions in relationships and responsibilities – that lasts more days than not; anxiety that is bigger than the situation warrants; worrying about many things all the time; or being unable to relax or calm down may indicate more than worry – generalized anxiety.

Emotional/Mental Symptoms

• Worry that is inordinate, covers various areas of life, and feels difficult to control or stop.
• Avoidance of making decisions for fear of making the wrong choice or of situations, places, or people that you believe may create more anxiety.
• Irritability or feeling short-tempered with others.
• Restlessness or feeling on edge all the time.
• Difficulty relaxing because of the constant thought that something is going to happen.
• Overthinking decisions and plans and imagining worst-case scenarios.
• Having difficulty concentrating, focusing on tasks, or having your mind go blank.
• Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities that used to feel normal.

Physical Symptoms

• Rapid heart rate.
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing when worry intensifies.
• Sleep disturbances in which you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and wake up feeling overly tired.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Muscle tension, aches, or soreness in the back, shoulders, or jaw.
• Cold, sweaty hands and feet
• Stomach upset, which includes nausea, vomiting, or stomachache.
• Feeling fatigued or getting tired more easily.

Finally, if you check off three or more of these symptoms and they are causing distress and interfering with life, it may be helpful to talk with a counselor.

Biblical Hope for Anxiety

Jesus himself struggled with overwhelming emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane- grief, fear, and anxiety. He went to His Heavenly Father in prayer. Like Jesus, when we become anxious, we look to something for comfort, and as Christians, this should be Jesus. Leaning on Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word.

Scripture redirects anxiety to a stabilizing truth that God is present, and He cares. Biblical hope is not only a belief but leads to engagement with God.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7, NLT

Paul does not deny that worry exists but offers a clear alternative: replacing anxious thoughts with prayer and thanksgiving. Circumstances may not change, but God promises a supernatural peace that will guard our hearts and minds. When struggling with anxiety, use this rhythm daily: name the worry, release it to Him, and thank God for what is true.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7, CSB

“Cast” means to throw or hurl cares or worries onto God. God, as a loving Father, genuinely cares for you and is willing to carry our anxiety, knowing we cannot carry it alone. Rather than leaving anxiety in us, which causes distress mentally and physically, we can turn to God to help carry it.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10, CSB

Anxiety often brings a sense of isolation or weakness. This verse states that God will be with you, providing strength, help, and steady support. Even when you feel overwhelmed, you can look to Him and remember the truth of His Word. God is constant – the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His Word says, “I am with you,” and He is.

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. – Proverbs 12:25, CSB

This verse paints a picture of the heavy, physical, and emotional burden that anxiety places on a person, making the heart feel burdened, the muscles tense, and causing fatigue or restlessness. However, we are reminded that being in community and receiving encouragement from friends, family, or a counselor can bring relief and cheer an anxious heart.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14: 27, CSB)

The world’s peace is fleeting, while God’s peace is everlasting. Jesus understands an anxious heart because He experienced it in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he felt overwhelming distress before His crucifixion. He found peace with his Father, and we can have His peace as a daily reality. Even in the midst of worry, we can have peace by trusting Him and releasing our worries to Him.

Final Thoughts

Recalling a verse when life is hard can be challenging. It is important to prepare in advance: memorize these verses or have them easily accessible (e.g., on your phone, posted in your house, or in a journal) for moments of struggle. Pray specifically for your situation, be honest and name your concern, then anchor your thoughts in Biblical truth.

A prayer for an anxious heart:

Lord, You know what is happening inside of me. My mind is cluttered with unwanted thoughts, and I feel unsettled. Help me place these thoughts in your hands and replace them with the truth of your Word. Give me clarity and peace. Let me feel your loving presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

Remember, anxiety does not mean your faith is weak. Scripture invites you to bring every care to God, who grants comfort and peace. If symptoms are disruptive and ongoing, seek the help of a counselor who can provide clarity and direction.

The information provided is intended to increase awareness of how anxiety may be experienced in daily life. Because each person is uniquely created, symptoms will vary widely. Therefore, readers are encouraged not to self-diagnose solely based on this information.