What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
Many people are unaware that they suffer from anxiety due to their physical symptoms. For instance, a racing pulse or sweating. The body's fight-or-flight response is designed to get you away from danger as quickly as possible.
This reaction can cause physical discomfort and discomfort when it's chronic. Here are a few of the most frequent physical symptoms of anxiety:
Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a common sign of anxiety. They're the feeling that your heartbeat is skipping. This fluttering or flipping, sensation can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. The heart rate can be higher or frequent when someone is experiencing an anxiety attack. These episodes can be scary.
This is due to the body's natural fight-or-flight response, which is supposed to aid you in escaping or fighting against a real threat. When you're stressed the system is activated, even though there isn't any danger.
This response can cause physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and shakiness. It can also cause problems sleeping and irritable bowel syndrome.
anxiety body symptoms can be unintentional however they can also signal a heart issue, such as atrial flutter. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. They can request an ECG or refer you to a doctor depending on the cause they believe to be the cause.
In some instances a doctor might recommend treatments that reduce your stress and anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapy, where you learn how to change your mental attitude and response to situations, and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing are all examples of these treatments. They can also prescribe medications such as beta blockers, which are usually used to reduce blood pressure, but can also slow heart rate as well.
You can also try "vagal techniques," such as putting your weight on your stomach, squeeze it, holding your breath, or splashing cold liquid on your face to reduce heart electrical stimulation. These can slow down your heartbeat and stop the irregular heartbeats that can cause anxiety.
Breathing fast
When someone is anxious the body releases hormones to prepare them for fighting or fleeing the immediate threat. This triggers blood to flow to the legs and arms and can cause you feel tired and weak. This is because the body is using all the oxygen it has available to fight or run away. It's not a problem to feel breathless, but some people may find it scary.
If a person is suffering from anxiety on a regular basis and is causing problems in their lives, they should speak to their healthcare provider. They can provide methods to manage stress and prescribe medication if needed. The health care professional can also determine if the symptoms are caused by anxiety or a medical condition.
Some breathing problems can be a sign of lung or heart disorders. If you feel that the shortness in breath is caused by one of these issues it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as you can.
Breathing exercises are an excellent way to manage anxiety. Focusing on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help to lower anxiety and slow the heartbeat. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-rich beverages can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
While certain anxiety is normal, a constant worry could mean that you have anxiety disorder. If you need help in managing your anxiety, call us to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. We can teach you how to live a life free of anxiety.
Tight muscles
Everybody has stiff muscles from time to time, but if they become an ongoing issue it could be a sign of anxiety. The fight-or flight response releases stress hormones that affect your muscles as well as the rest of your body. These hormones aren't necessarily bad, but if you have them in your system for a long period of time, they can weaken your immunity and cause health issues such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Your body isn't meant to be constantly in a state of alert. If you experience these symptoms frequently you should talk to your doctor.
If you notice an increase in heart rate, sweating, or a shaky hand, these are typical symptoms of a panic attack. These can occur without warning, and require immediate attention. Symptoms typically peak within minutes, and will subside after your body begins to settle down.
Anxiety can also cause issues with your digestive system. People who are anxious often complain of stomach pain and constipation, diarrhea or a feeling of their stomach "getting stuck." This is thought to be a result of the connection between your brain and your digestive tract.
Muscle tightness is a different symptom that can be a sign of anxiety, as is joint pain and fatigue. The constant tightness can cause you to clench your jaw or pull on your skin, and it can disrupt your sleep and daily activities. It's a great idea to see an occupational therapist in the event that you experience this. They will be able to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and provide you a program of exercise at home to assist.
Nausea or vomiting
Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety are so real we mistakenly think they are due to physical issues. This can lead to a search for the cause even if symptoms are frequent and interfere with your routine. This is the reason it's so important to consult with your doctor if experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, especially those that last for long periods of time.
Your body's stress response boosts how fast your heart pumps blood throughout the body, which can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Hyperventilation is also a possible cause of increased breathing. This can enhance many of the other physical anxiety symptoms on this list because it upsets the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Stress on the digestive system is often the reason for nausea or vomiting. This is why avoiding certain foods like alcohol, chocolate and caffeine can ease your anxiety-related nausea. You can also try eating something simple like plain crackers or toast. It's recommended to drink water and other clear liquids if you're experiencing nausea to prevent dehydration.
Some people are able to stop anxiety-induced nausea by implementing techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. This means that symptoms won't show up until it's too much. This can also help to manage their anxiety symptoms before they turn into nauseating. Also, it can prevent their anxiety from getting worse, so they can sleep better. Certain people might also benefit from visiting an expert in mental health care to treat anxiety like psychologists or psychiatrists.
Headaches
A headache is a typical sign of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you are anxious, your brain ruminates over a worry or fear that is overwhelming. Your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to help you respond to any threat. These chemicals are beneficial in response to an actual threat, but in the case of constant anxiety or extreme, they can be detrimental.
Your body isn't meant to be constantly in fight or flight mode, and this can affect your physical health. For instance, tight muscles that prepare you to run or escape can cause migraines and tension headaches. If you have frequent headaches, think about cutting down on caffeine and other substances that can trigger them.
Anxiety can also affect your period, causing bloating and abdominal cramps and possible causing irregular or missed menstrual periods, the Cleveland Clinic reports. The elevated levels of hormones anxiety triggers can affect the release of progesterone, which induces ovulation, and estrogen.
Consult a medical professional if your anxiety is severe. Your doctor will conduct a medical history and perform a physical exam to rule out physical reasons f
