You know that feeling when something’s just… off?
Like you’re carrying around this heavy emotional backpack, but can’t quite put your finger on what’s weighing you down? Sometimes it’s anger you’re carrying around without even realising it — not the obvious kind where you’re ready to flip a table, but the sneaky type that’s got buried under layers of “I’m fine.” Here are some signs that might be the case for you.
1. You’re constantly clenching your jaw.
Your teeth are basically having nightly fight clubs while you sleep. The dentist keeps giving you that look during checkups, asking if you’re stressed. Your jaw feels like it’s been through a boxing match every morning, and you catch yourself clenching your teeth while stuck in traffic or dealing with endless work emails. Yeah, that’s not just bad dental habits — that’s your body holding on to some stuff.
2. You suffer from mystery aches and pains.
Remember when you woke up with that killer shoulder knot and thought, “Weird, I didn’t even gym yesterday”? Your neck’s so stiff you can barely check your blind spot while driving, and your back feels like it’s aged 40 years overnight. No matter how many hot showers or stretches you do, these aches keep coming back like that ex who won’t take the hint.
3. You’ve been losing it over tiny things.
Yesterday, you nearly had a meltdown because someone used your favourite mug at work. Last week, you muttered under your breath for 10 minutes straight because someone took ages counting change at the shop. And don’t even start about the time your flatmate ate your leftover takeaway — you’re still not over it. When small stuff feels like the end of the world, there’s usually bigger stuff brewing underneath.
4. You lay awake at night mulling over the past.
There you are again, wide awake at stupid o’clock, replaying that meeting from three years ago where you should’ve spoken up, or mentally scripting conversations you’ll probably never have. Your brain’s like a Netflix series that won’t stop autoplaying old episodes of “Things That Made Me Mad But I Never Said Anything About.”
5. You’ve become really passive-aggressive.
Instead of just saying “Hey, could you not leave your dishes in the sink for three days?” you’re leaving passive-aggressive notes everywhere. Or maybe you’re the master of the subtle dig — you know, those comments that sound nice but have a tiny sword hidden in them. You say things like, “Nice of you to join us” when someone’s five minutes late to a Zoom call — that kind of thing.
6. Your digestion is all over the place.
Your stomach’s acting like it’s personally offended by everything you eat. One day it’s fine with coffee, the next day it’s staging a full rebellion. The doctor’s done all the tests and just shrugs. Plot twist: your gut’s actually trying to tell you something, and it’s not about your dairy intake.
7. You just can’t bring yourself to cry.
Everyone’s crying at that pet rescue video, but you’re sitting there dry-eyed wondering what’s wrong with you. Even when properly sad stuff happens, the tears just… won’t come. It’s like your emotions have gone into hibernation mode, and you’re stuck in emotional bubble wrap.
8. You’re an expert in sarcasm.
Your sense of humour’s got so sharp it could cut glass. Every other thing out of your mouth is dripping with sarcasm. Your friends used to think it was funny, but lately, they’re giving you those “you okay, mate?” looks. Turns out, using wit as a weapon might be your anger playing dress-up.
9. You have a problem with everything.
That presentation? Could’ve been better. Your friend’s new haircut? Bit wonky. Your own outfit? Don’t even start. You’ve become that person who can spot the one crooked picture frame in a perfectly decorated room, and you just can’t let it go.
10. You fidget non-stop.
Sitting still feels like torture. You’re bouncing your leg so much in meetings that your coworkers probably think there’s an earthquake. Even during Netflix sessions, you’re pacing, reorganising stuff, or fiddling with anything within reach. Your body’s literally trying to shake off something it can’t name.
11. Your inner critic’s gone rogue.
That voice in your head’s turned into a full-time hater. Drop a fork? You’re clearly a disaster. Forget to reply to a text? Worst friend ever. It’s like having a mean commentator narrating your life who’s definitely not on your side.
12. You feel like you’re running on empty.
You’re tired. Like, all the time. Not normal “need an extra coffee” tired, but “why does existing take so much energy” tired. Eight hours of sleep feels like eight minutes, and your energy bar’s permanently stuck at 20% no matter what you do.
13. You’ve stopped wanting to spend time with people you really like.
Lately, your go-to move is “thanks for the invite, but I’m not feeling great.” Your phone’s full of unopened messages, and the thought of socialising feels like preparing for an expedition to Mount Everest. Sometimes being alone feels safer than dealing with people who might poke at feelings you’re not ready to deal with.
14. Your dreams are a bit all over.
Your dreams are like badly written action movies lately. You’re either running from something, fighting something, or trying to scream, but no sound comes out. You wake up feeling like you’ve just had an argument, except it was all in your head.
