The Hidden Signs of Anxiety Perth Adults Often Ignore
A Perth psychologist explains the less obvious signs of anxiety and why recognising them early can help adults seek appropriate support.
East Fremantle, WA | September 28, 2026 | Sage Psychological Services, a private psychology practice in East Fremantle, is highlighting the hidden signs of anxiety that many adults may overlook or mistake for everyday stress.
Anxiety does not always appear as obvious fear or panic. For some adults, it can show up through constant overthinking, difficulty relaxing, irritability, muscle tension, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep, or a strong need to avoid certain situations.
“People can become so used to feeling tense or worried that they start to see it as a normal part of everyday life,” said Jacob Jones, Registered Psychologist at Sage Psychological Services. “Recognising changes in thoughts, behaviour and physical responses can be an important first step in understanding what is happening.”
One commonly overlooked sign is persistent overthinking. An adult may repeatedly replay conversations, worry about future situations, or spend a lot of time thinking about possible problems. This can make it difficult to focus on work, relationships or everyday activities.
Avoidance is another sign that can be easy to miss. Someone experiencing anxiety may gradually avoid social situations, difficult conversations, travel, appointments or other activities because they expect something to go wrong. While avoiding these situations may provide short-term relief, it can also make anxiety harder to manage over time.
Physical symptoms can also provide clues. Ongoing muscle tension, restlessness, a racing heart, changes in breathing and difficulty sleeping may occur alongside anxious thoughts. These symptoms can sometimes be dismissed as tiredness or general stress.
For adults who notice these patterns regularly, psychological support can provide an opportunity to understand the factors contributing to anxiety and learn evidence-based strategies for managing it. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one approach commonly used to address unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns associated with anxiety.
Sage Psychological Services provides evidence-based therapy for adults across Fremantle and greater Perth, with telehealth appointments available across Western Australia. The practice focuses on CBT and EMDR, with care provided directly by Jacob Jones in a calm and private setting.
“Anxiety can look different from one person to another,” Jones added. “The important thing is to pay attention when worry, avoidance or physical tension starts affecting everyday life.”
About Sage Psychological Services
Sage Psychological Services is a private psychology practice in East Fremantle providing evidence-based therapy for adults across Fremantle and greater Perth. Services include CBT and EMDR for anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and stress. Telehealth appointments are available across WA, with appointments Monday to Saturday.
Visit us: https://sagepsychservices.com.au/
Anxiety does not always appear as obvious fear or panic. For some adults, it can show up through constant overthinking, difficulty relaxing, irritability, muscle tension, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep, or a strong need to avoid certain situations.
“People can become so used to feeling tense or worried that they start to see it as a normal part of everyday life,” said Jacob Jones, Registered Psychologist at Sage Psychological Services. “Recognising changes in thoughts, behaviour and physical responses can be an important first step in understanding what is happening.”
One commonly overlooked sign is persistent overthinking. An adult may repeatedly replay conversations, worry about future situations, or spend a lot of time thinking about possible problems. This can make it difficult to focus on work, relationships or everyday activities.
Avoidance is another sign that can be easy to miss. Someone experiencing anxiety may gradually avoid social situations, difficult conversations, travel, appointments or other activities because they expect something to go wrong. While avoiding these situations may provide short-term relief, it can also make anxiety harder to manage over time.
Physical symptoms can also provide clues. Ongoing muscle tension, restlessness, a racing heart, changes in breathing and difficulty sleeping may occur alongside anxious thoughts. These symptoms can sometimes be dismissed as tiredness or general stress.
For adults who notice these patterns regularly, psychological support can provide an opportunity to understand the factors contributing to anxiety and learn evidence-based strategies for managing it. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one approach commonly used to address unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns associated with anxiety.
Sage Psychological Services provides evidence-based therapy for adults across Fremantle and greater Perth, with telehealth appointments available across Western Australia. The practice focuses on CBT and EMDR, with care provided directly by Jacob Jones in a calm and private setting.
“Anxiety can look different from one person to another,” Jones added. “The important thing is to pay attention when worry, avoidance or physical tension starts affecting everyday life.”
About Sage Psychological Services
Sage Psychological Services is a private psychology practice in East Fremantle providing evidence-based therapy for adults across Fremantle and greater Perth. Services include CBT and EMDR for anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and stress. Telehealth appointments are available across WA, with appointments Monday to Saturday.
Visit us: https://sagepsychservices.com.au/
- Contact Email
- [email protected]
- Issued By
- Sage Psychological Services
- Phone
- (08) 6801 1041
- Business Address
- 7B Silas Street, East Fremantle WA 6158
- Country
- Australia
- Categories
- Health
- Last Updated
- September 28, 2026