Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
The fight-or-flight response is created to aid us in escaping or facing danger, but chronic anxiety can keep our bodies on alert and create physical symptoms. These could include:
Get regular check-ups. Untreated anxiety can lead to heart problems and other medical issues. Talk to your doctor about ways to control these symptoms, for example, cutting down on caffeine consumption and avoid drinking alcohol or street drugs that are recreational.
Tense muscles
Muscle tension is a common sign of anxiety. It can cause stiffness or pain in your neck, shoulders, hands, chest and back. Anxiety can also affect your breathing and posture.
The muscle tension that is associated with anxiety is often short-lived, and it usually fades once the triggering event or situation passes. For some people however, the tension may be persistent and lead to long-term health issues.
Muscles that are tight are an indication of Anxiety Symptoms But Not Anxious – Mozillabd.Science,. The fight-or-flight response causes your body to prepare by supplying more oxygen to the muscles. This boosts their strength to escape physical threats. This increase in blood flow is why your heart beats faster and also the reason you breathe more quickly when you’re stressed.
In the case of an occasional anxiety attack, the increased blood flow and quickened breathing may give your immune system a temporary boost that helps you overcome the fear of a stressful situation. However, if you are experiencing anxiety regularly the increased alertness may become a regular part your life, leading to chronic, persistent symptoms such as breathing problems and muscle tightness.
Many of the other physical symptoms of anxiety, such as fatigue and aching joints and muscles are the result of your body’s release of the hormones and chemicals into your system as it prepares to fight or escape an alleged threat. The constant state of alertness may leave you feeling worn out and feeling as if you’ve got constant stomachaches or headaches.
Heart rate changes
Anxiety can cause your heart rate to increase, causing chest pain and breathlessness. Stress triggers adrenal glands, such as adrenaline or cortisol to release hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate. This is a useful response in real emergencies, when you need to pump more blood into your muscles to ensure you can escape or fight an attack. It could be harmful if you do it all every day, as it increases the risk of developing heart disease.
You may also notice that your stomach gets more upset when you’re anxious. The body’s fight or flight response could keep you on edge, and affect digestion. This can result in symptoms such as constipation diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or irritablebowel syndrome. People who are anxious may also have sleep issues or have trouble sleeping because they’re constantly on edge. Stress hormones can cause the immune system to weaken, which increases the chance of contracting colds or other infections.
Consult your physician If you are experiencing these physical symptoms. They can test for medical issues that can cause similar symptoms, for instance a thyroid problem. It’s a good idea, however, to talk to an expert in mental health that can guide you on how to control your anxiety and end the physical symptoms. They might suggest therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy, which can help you replace negative thoughts with positive ones. It’s also best to avoid taking your pulse as it can fuel the feelings of anxiety.
Tingling in your feet and hands
A feeling of tingling in your hands or feet could be an indication of anxiety. Tingling is also known as paresthesia and is a sign of anxiety-induced stress. When you experience a panic attack, or other intense feelings of anxiety your body is trying to protect yourself from danger or harm by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger a variety of physical responses, including changes in your blood circulation.
As part of your fight or flight response, the body directs blood flow away from peripheral areas to major muscle groups that may require assistance with physical actions. This can leave feet and hands with a reduced blood flow, which could cause the tingling feeling. The tingling may be more apparent during times of anxiety mouth symptoms or stress and will likely go away as tension eases.
Consult your physician if your discomfort persists. They can assist you in finding ways to manage your anxiety and alleviate the pain in your hands and feet.
While tingling sensations in your hands or feet can be an indication of a serious medical issue the majority of times, it’s caused by anxiety. Do some exercise regularly to increase blood flow, or try relaxation techniques. A good night’s sleep is vital, as anxiety could influence your sleep habits. Limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake can also aid. If you notice the sensation of tingling suddenly in your hands or feet contact a FastMed Urgent Care location to talk to a health care specialist about your symptoms.
Dry mouth
If you’re anxious and stressed, your body may begin to change the way it produces saliva. This is referred to as dry mouth, and can be a sign that you have anxiety. It can be a side-effect of certain medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
It is important to see an expert if you suffer from dry mouth. They can determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing it. If your doctor determines that you are suffering from anxiety, they will recommend treatment options.
Anxiety can cause dry mouth because of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol that are released when you are stressed or anxious. These hormones can raise your heart anxiety symptoms rate and breathing to help you fight or run away from a danger. However, they can also cause digestive problems as well as other physical symptoms.
You may also feel dry mouth if you are under stress or taking medications that decrease saliva production. For instance, SSRIs that are typically prescribed for anxiety and stress, can cause dry mouth. These medications interfere with the action of acetylcholine that is a neurotransmitter that is involved in involuntary movements and bodily functions like salivation, digestion and urination.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids and practice relaxation techniques to alleviate your anxiety symptoms. If your anxiety is extreme, an expert in mental health may suggest other options for treatment, such as cognitive symptoms of anxiety behavior therapy (CBT), prevention of exposure to harmful substances, and other complementary health practices like yoga and mediation.
Breathing shortness
Whether you feel short of breath during your workout, or at other times during the day, this feeling could be a sign you’re experiencing anxiety. This symptom is associated with all types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorders. Most often, anxiety causes muscle tension, which can cause the feeling of being out of breath, especially in the shoulders and back area. These tensions can cause a cycle that may aggravate physical symptoms.
The reason anxiety can trigger these and other physical responses is related to the body’s fight-orflight response. This is a necessary response for responding to a threat but if it is triggered long-term due to chronic anxiety symptoms and signs, it can result in negative consequences.
When you feel anxious and stress, your body is unable to tell that you’re not in danger and that there’s no reason to feel this way. This can make you feel like you are always in danger, even when you’re not. That’s why it’s so important to work with mental health experts.
When you feel anxious your body releases a variety of stress hormones. These hormones stimulate your body to react as being in danger, which can be accompanied by feelings of a shortness or a sluggish breath. This is a normal reaction, but it can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions and illnesses that may trigger this symptoms. This can be caused by heart disease, a clot of blood in the lung, or pneumonia. It is recommended to consult your doctor to run tests and determine whether you have an underlying issue that may be causing the symptoms.