What Are the Weird Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety can manifest in many different ways and doesn’t always appear the same from person to person. It’s important to be aware that any physical sensation that doesn’t appear to have a clear cause may be caused by anxiety.

When you’re stressed, your body releases stress hormones that can trigger all sorts of bizarre symptoms. Here are some of the most bizarre physical symptoms of anxiety:

1. Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. They can make your heart feel as if it’s fluttering or beating irregularly, and they usually last only for several seconds or minutes. The heart rate is usually not an indication of a serious issue in your heart, unless they happen during periods of intense stress or when you are exercising. They may also be a side effect of certain medications, particularly those which treat high blood pressure or arrhythmias.

It’s normal to be anxious or nervous before an important presentation or test, and it’s also natural to worry when a loved one is sick. If you experience anxiety or dread constantly and it is affecting your everyday life, you could be suffering from anxiety disorder.

Anxiety triggers the release hormones in the body which help us prepare to fight or flee. These hormones can cause us to feel lightheaded or jittery, dizzy, sweaty, and cause our heart rate to increase. While eye strain anxiety symptoms is normal at times, someone with a generalized disorder will experience these symptoms almost every day for at least six month.

It is possible to decrease heart palpitations that are caused by stress by practicing relaxation techniques and taking medications. But you should see your physician if you experience heart palpitations that don’t have obvious triggers, or if concerned about an irregular heart rhythm. Your doctor may suggest electrocardiograms (ECGs) to determine the cause of heart palpitations. They may also prescribe medication like beta blockers, to control your heart rate and rhythm.

2. Shortness of breath

If you feel short of breath, sigh or have an uncomfortable chest, it could indicate that your body has kicked into panic mode. “With anxiety your body is constantly preparing itself to fight or fight,” Zoe says. This means increasing your heart rate and breathing rate so that you can increase the flow of blood flowing to your muscles, etc.

It can trigger an uneasy feeling or experiencing difficulty breathing. Many people with anxiety experience this symptom. This could also be the sign of a panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of terror and fear which can reach its peak within minutes.

Chest pain can also be an indication of an issue with your heart. Always seek medical advice when you experience symptoms. However, if your symptoms are caused by anxiety, it’s likely they will eventually subside once the anxiety-causing situation is over.

Another odd physical symptom of anxiety is a ringing in your ears, referred to as tinnitus. It is typically a symptom of anxiety disorders. It can be triggered when your sympathetic nervous system is activated, as per the NHS.

If you’re stressed, you may also feel dry mouth and experience difficulty swallowing. This is because your body is sending fluids to major muscle groups to help you run or fight. This can also make your mouth dry and stale, which can lead to bad breath. This symptom can also be helped by resting enough and drinking plenty of fluids and working out regularly.

3. Sweating

It’s hard to determine the signs that are related to anxiety. Certain symptoms are psychological, such as a feeling unease or nervousness, while others are physical like breathlessness and a racing heart. There are signs that can be both physical and mental such as the ringing of your chest or ear.

If you’re experiencing a strange feeling, it’s important to first consider whether anxiety could be the reason. Anxiety may be the cause of other health issues, such as headaches. It’s important to rule out these conditions before making any assumptions.

The body’s response to anxiety is often triggered by the nervous system, which controls involuntary processes like breathing and heart rate, per NIMH. Stress or fear triggers this response, sending signals to your adrenal glands to release stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol. This is an normal, evolutionary process that was designed to protect us from life-threatening or dangerous situations.

However, when your brain is constantly ruminating over the absurd fears or worries of future failure, embarrassment or loss or illness, these hormones can become out of control, leading to anxiety symptoms. This could include sweating which can result in pits, stains and palms that appear wet or are covered with a sticky substance as well as a buildup of bacteria on your skin, causing unpleasant smells.

There are a variety of ways to deal with these strange physical symptoms. The key is to distract yourself by focusing on something else. “This can fairly reliably break the cycle of symptoms and stop the spiral,” Dr. Barsky says. Try taking a few deep breathes and relaxing activities (such as reading or listening music), or light exercise like walking.

4. Muscle twitches

The zings, fizzles, and ever-so-light thumps of muscle twitching are odd and can be a bit disturbing, particularly when they are present all over the body. They may appear and disappear on their own, or persist for days or weeks. These strange spasms, whether they are a minor, localized twitch or generalized anxiety disorder physical symptoms ones that involve many muscles or groups are usually thought to be one of the odd symptoms of anxiety.

The muscle twitching associated in the presence of anxiety is typically caused by the release of neurotransmitters – chemicals that “tell” your muscles to move. This happens because the fight or flight response that is triggered by high anxiety symptoms gad causes your nervous system to initiate an emotional response. To help manage the stress your body releases these neurotransmitters.

While the twitching is somewhat distracting, it’s not necessarily a sign of a major health condition. Muscle twitching can be caused by a variety of factors, such as caffeine, stress, and intense exercise. However, if you also suffer from other symptoms, such as fatigue or muscle weakness, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to make sure there’s not a more serious problem.

Reducing your sleep and drinking water are two of the most effective ways to ease anxiety-induced muscles twitching. Magnesium is also a must to incorporate into your diet, because it can relax muscles and reduce the twitching. It is also beneficial to practice relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscular relaxation. This method involves tensing and relaxing every muscle part of your body, starting at your head and working your way down to your feet.

5. Headaches

If you’re experiencing head pain or a feeling of pressure around the eyes and head it could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your muscles get tight when you’re stressed particularly those in your shoulders and neck. Stress and hormonal changes can cause muscles to become tighter, which can cause migraines or headaches. Strange sensations, such as the sensation of tingling, numbness or pins and needles could be a sign of anxiety disorders symptoms. They typically occur in the extremities, but they can occur anywhere. They’re normally a result of muscle tension or hyperventilation but they can also be triggered by certain foods, medications or anxiety itself.

If you experience these symptoms frequently, it’s time to visit your physician. Your doctor can tell whether the symptoms are related to anxiety or something else, like a stomach virus or other health condition.

In certain instances your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medicines to ease these strange physical symptoms. Getting better sleep can also reduce anxiety symptoms, and doing deep breathing and relaxation exercises can be beneficial.

Anxiety can cause unusual and unexpected physical symptoms. Understanding them and understanding that they’re a sign of a problem can help you overcome these symptoms. It’s natural to worry about the things that cause concern. But when your worries become chronic or start to affect your everyday life, it’s best to speak with your physician. They can help you manage anxiety symptoms and get your life back on track. Best of luck!