ANXIETY DEFINITION:An intense feeling of unease and worry, sometimes without cause PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Rubbing the back of the neck Crossing the arms, forming a barrier to others Standing with one arm clasping the other at the elbow Clutching a purse, coat, or other object Wringing one’s hands or rubbing at the skin in a self-soothing way Twisting a watch or ring Scratching Hands repeatedly rising to touch one’s face Fingering a necklace (especially if it is a symbol of comfort) Rolling one’s shoulders Bouncing a foot Glancing at the clock, phone, or doorway Holding the stomach and bending forward slightly Clutching one’s hands Rocking in place Twisting one’s neck, as if it’s sore Biting at the lips or nails Head shaking Shifting, unable to get comfortable Blowing out a series of short breaths to gain control Digging in a purse or pocket to keep the hands busy Becoming easily distracted Adjusting clothes, as if they chafe An inability to eat Rubbing one’s arms and looking around Bouncing a curled knuckle against the mouth A darting gaze Increased awareness of one’s environment Starting at noises or sudden movements Excessive swallowing Repeatedly checking a phone for messages Impatience Praying Muttering under the breath INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Feeling too hot or too cold Restless legs Dizziness A churning stomach Increased thirst Tingling in one’s limbs A tightening chest and accelerated breathing Feeling like one’s insides are quivering MENTAL RESPONSES: Thinking about worst-case scenarios Engaging in self-blame Seeking reassurance from others Time feeling like it’s slowing down Experiencing discomfort in close spaces Irrational worries Mentally beating oneself up for being unable to control this feeling Replaying the events that caused this feeling ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Excessive sweating A ragged appearance Talking to oneself under the breath Rocking in one’s seat Heart palpitations, hyperventilating, or even panic attacks Emergence of fears, phobias, or OCD-like symptoms SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: A false smile Tightness in the eyes Avoiding conversation Finding somewhere to be alone Doing things to appear normal (e.g., ordering food but not eating it) Feigning interest in something nearby Closing one’s eyes in an attempt to stay calm Smoothing or stroking one’s hair as a soothing gesture MAY ESCALATE TO:Fear,Desperation,Paranoia,Panic,Hysteria MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Wariness,Vulnerability,Relief,Gratitude ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Bother, brood, carve, chase choke, dig, distract, drill fluster, gnaw, grate, insist jar, jerk, jump, natter pace, pester, pound, press question, rattle, rub, shake speculate, squeeze, startle, strain struggle, sweat, twist, unsettle upset, wring WRITER’S TIP:For each scene, identify the emotion you need to show and think in terms of three...what three ways have you reinforced the character’s feelings through verbal and nonverbal communication?