A Psychiatrist Reveals "6 Signs You're Overwhelmed by Anxiety"—The Moment "Helpful Anxiety" Turns into "Life Difficulties"

Anxiety is inherently a "beneficial emotion" that alerts us to danger and protects us. However, when it becomes excessive, it can have a wide range of negative effects on concentration, judgment, sleep, interpersonal relationships, and daily activities. Professor Andreas Ströhle, a psychiatrist at the prestigious Charité in Berlin, identified six specific signs in an interview with the magazine Brigitte that indicate when anxiety has exceeded a "moderate range": (1) anxiety persists even after the situation has passed, (2) cessation of healthy behaviors, (3) inability to think rationally, (4) daily life is restricted by avoidance or excessive defense, (5) anxiety snowballs over time, and (6) intensification of physical symptoms such as palpitations, headaches, and insomnia. This article will explain each of these signs in the context of Japanese daily life, provide self-checks and guidelines for seeking medical advice, and introduce practical coping methods such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and online support. The key is not to "eliminate anxiety" but to develop the ability to "cope well with anxiety." Let's take the first step today with evidence-based methods.