Is it normal for people with anxiety to take things out of context?

[Marc0133]

I tend to misinterpret some meanings not because I'm stupid but because it can trigger my anxiety in a way. Is this normal with anxiety? Thanks

[lanio]

Im not a professional so I'm only speaking based on personal experience. I feel like that's true for me. I might be stuck on my anxious feeling that I don't perceive things the way they truly are. Or if Im texting someone I'll focus on certain words and sometimes misinterperate what they mean or worry too much about what I think they mean when it wasn't even that serious. Text doesn't help with tonality so sometimes I think someone is feeling a certain way with me when it's not true at all. I'm not sure if you relate to what I'm saying, hopefully it somewhat helps you not feel alone in this.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

You are not alone. When my anxiety is acting up it's hard to see anything clearly. I'm looking through a lens of fear, worry and over sensitivity. My self esteem is in the toilet and I border on paranoia. All of those symptoms keep me from taking anything lightly or accurately. It's best if I just realize I'm off base and don't trust my understanding. Which means I usually ask more questions about what the person means. Or keep my mouth shut unless the communicator is directing a question at me. If any of this makes sense.

[Tobster28]

Yes it is. At my worst I had to ask people to say things twice to make sure I heard what they said twice. Really annoyed people I worked with even though they knew why I was doing it. Which made me feel even worse then.

[dwonie]

I can relate to this also. It seems that the tone of voice, body language, facial expression, and attitude I pick up on more than what is said. That energy seems to be more important than what is said and it seems that it transfers to me and I feel it. I have to ask what the person said again at times.

[car103]

I'm glad you brought this up. I have a friend I made as part of a therapy group. The group ended but we remain in contact and support each other. Today we had a tense email exchange where I thought I wrote something rather benign ad she took it in a much different way. After reading your post, I see that my language probably triggered something in her. It wasn't my intent to upset her. I'm actually struggling a little now. I tried to clarify once and her defenses are still up and she isn't getting it. It is like we are having two separate conversations. I think it is definitely true that anxiety (or whatever mental health issue) can color our view of a situation. I'm going to try and be more mindful in the future of how I perceive things and the way I express myself. Thanks.