What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
Many people find out they suffer from anxiety based on physical symptoms, such as sweating or a racing heart. This is because the body’s fight or flight response is designed to get us away from danger quickly.
When this reaction is persistent but it is not always a good idea, it could cause uncomfortable and uncomfortable physical consequences. Here are a few of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety and depression of anxiety:
Heart palpitations
A common sign of anxiety is heart palpitations, which are a feeling that your heartbeat is racing or is not normal. This fluttering, or flipping, sensation could cause you to feel dizzy and feel lightheaded. Heart palpitations may be more intense or frequent when someone is experiencing an anxiety attack. These episodes can be scary.
This is due to the body’s natural response of fight or flight, which is designed to help get away from or defend yourself against the threat of a real one. If you are stressed, this system is activated even though no danger exists.
The problem is, this reaction is so strong that it could cause many physical symptoms, such as stomach pain, shakiness and headaches. It can also cause irritable bowels syndrome and difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember that heart palpitations are typically harmless, but they could be a sign of an existing heart problem such as atrial fibrillation. Talk to your doctor immediately in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. They may order an ECG or refer you to a specialist, according to what symptoms of anxiety (a knockout post) they believe is the root cause.
In some instances doctors may suggest methods to help reduce stress and anxiety. These include cognitive behavior therapy which teaches you to change how you think and react to situations, and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. They might also prescribe medication like beta blockers, which are usually used to treat high blood pressure, but can slow the heart rate too.
You can also use “vagal maneuvers,” such as putting your weight on your stomach, squeezing it, holding your breath, or splashing cold liquid on your face to decrease the electrical stimulation of the heart. These can slow down your heartbeat and stop the irregular beats that can cause anxiety symptoms work.
Breathing quickly
When someone is stressed the body releases hormones that prepare them to fight or flee from an any immediate threat. This response can cause blood to flow into legs and arms, and make you feel nauseous. This is because your body is taking all the oxygen it can to fight or run. The feeling of not having enough breath is not harmful however it can be a bit frightening for some people.
If someone is suffering from anxiety on a daily basis and causes difficulties in their daily life, they should talk with their doctor. They can prescribe medication and teach stress management techniques. The health professional can also help to determine whether the symptoms are caused by anxiety or another medical condition.
Certain breathing issues can be a sign of heart or lung problems. If you feel that your breath is becoming short is due to one of these issues, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Breathing exercises can be beneficial in helping to manage anxiety. It is suggested to focus on breathing deeply into your abdomen, as this helps to slow down the heart rate and reduces anxiety symptoms in women. It is also important to avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking beverages with caffeine, as they can worsen the symptoms of anxiety.
While some anxiety from time to moment is normal, continuous feelings of worry can be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder. Contact us to set up an appointment with a counselor if need help dealing with anxiety. We can teach you the tools to live a life free from anxiety.
Tight muscles
Everybody has stiff muscles at some point, however, when it becomes an ongoing problem, it could be a sign of anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect your whole body, including muscles. These hormones aren’t necessarily a bad thing however, if they stay in your body for long periods of time, it could weaken your immune system and cause health issues, like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Your body isn’t designed to be constantly in a state of alert. If you notice these symptoms regularly, it’s time to speak to your doctor.
If you notice an abrupt increase in your sweating, heart rate, or hands shaking These are the classic signs of a panic attack that can occur without warning and requires immediate attention. The symptoms usually peak within a few minutes and subside when your body is able to calm down.
Anxiety can also cause issues with your digestive system. Anxiety can cause stomach pains, diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that your stomach is “stuck”. This is believed to be due to the relationship between your brain and your digestive system.
Muscle tightness is another common symptom of anxiety, as are joint discomfort and fatigue. The constant tightness can make you to grind your teeth or pull on your skin. It could also disrupt your sleep, daily activities and your sleep. If you are feeling this way, it’s a good idea to see an occupational therapist. They can help you identify the cause of your discomfort and provide you with an appropriate home exercise program to tackle it.
Nausea or vomiting
Often, anxiety symptoms can feel so real that we think them for a physical issue. It could cause a search to find the cause even if symptoms are frequent and disrupt your daily routine. This is why it’s important to consult your physician if you’re experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, especially those that last for a long period of time.
Stress can cause your heart to pump blood more quickly which can cause chest pain and shortness breath. Your breathing could also speed up, which is known as hyperventilation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine this could cause many of the physical anxiety symptoms as it alters the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood.
Stress on your digestive system is typically the cause of nausea or vomiting. Avoiding foods like caffeine, chocolate and alcohol can help reduce anxiety-related nausea. You can also try eating something that isn’t too sour like plain crackers or toast. It’s recommended to drink water and other clear liquids while you’re feeling nauseated to avoid dehydration.
Some people are able to stop anxiety-induced nausea by implementing techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. This means that the symptoms won’t appear before it’s too excessive. This may also help them manage anxiety symptoms before they become nauseating or prevent the anxiety from getting worse, so they can sleep better. Some people benefit from visiting a mental health professional like psychiatrists or psychologists, for anxiety treatment.
Headaches
A headache is a typical manifestation of throat anxiety symptoms. When you’re stressed, your brain is ruminating over a fear or worry that is overwhelming and your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol in order to help you deal with a threat, the Mayo Clinic explains. These chemicals are helpful in the face of a real danger, but if your anxiety is constant or extreme, they can be detrimental.
Your body isn’t meant to be in constant fight-or-flight mode, and that could affect your physical health. Tensed muscles that prepare your body to run away or escape, for instance can cause tension headaches and migraines. If you experience frequent headaches, think about cutting the caffeine intake and other substances that cause them.
Anxiety can also disrupt your period, causing abdominal cramps and bloating, could result in irregular or missed menstrual periods The Cleveland Clinic reports. The elevated levels of hormones anxiety triggers can affect the release of progesterone that induces ovulation and estrogen.
Talk to a doctor when you’re experiencing anxiety that is extreme. Your doctor will take a medical history and perform an exam to rule out physical reasons for your symptoms. Then, ask about how frequently and how intensely you’re feeling your anxiety. Your provider will ask you about your daily routine, and how anxiety impacts your daily activities.
You can treat anxiety breathing symptoms by consulting a primary psychiatrist or physician. A psychiatrist can provide you with medication that will control your symptoms, such as an antidepressant drug, anti-anxiety medicine or sedative. You can also explore relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing, and exercise to lower your stress levels.