Symptoms Of Anxiety 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
Many people are unaware that they are suffering from anxiety because of their physical symptoms. For example an increased pulse or sweating. The body's fight or flight response is designed to get you away from danger as fast as you can.
If this response becomes chronic, however, it can result in uncomfortable and unpleasant physical effects. Here are a few common physical symptoms of anxiety:
Heart palpitations
A common sign of anxiety is heart palpitations, which is an indication that your heartbeat is erratic or is irregular. The fluttering or flipping sensation could make you feel as if your heart is racing, and it may also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Heart palpitations may be more intense or frequent if someone is suffering from an anxiety attack. These episodes can be frightening.
This is due to the body's natural response to fight or flight, which is supposed to aid you in escaping or fighting against a threat. If you are stressed the body's defense system is activated, even if there isn't any danger.
The problem is that this reaction is so strong that it could result in a variety of physical symptoms, like stomach pain, shakiness, and headaches. It can also cause irritable bowels syndrome and difficulty sleeping.
It is important to keep in mind that heart palpitations are typically benign, but they can be a sign of an existing heart problem like atrial fibrillation. Speak to your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms. They could request an ECG or refer you to a specialist, depending on what they believe is the reason.
In some cases your doctor might suggest treatments that are focused on reducing your stress and anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy that teaches you to change how you think and react to situations and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. They might prescribe medication such as beta-blockers. They are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure but also to slow the heart rate.
You may also try "vagal maneuvers," which involve doing activities like bending your back or squeezing your stomach, holding your breath or splashing cold water on your face to reduce the heart's electrical stimulation. These can help slow down your heart rate and stop the irregular heartbeats that can cause anxiety.
Breathing quickly
If someone is anxious the body releases hormones that prepare the body for fighting or fleeing from the immediate threat. This causes blood to flow to the arms and legs, and it can make you feel exhausted. This is because your body is taking all the oxygen it can to fight or run. The sensation of being short of breath is not harmful however it can be frightening for some people.
If someone is suffering from anxiety on a daily basis and is causing problems in their daily lives, they should speak with their doctor. They can provide methods to manage stress and prescribe medication if necessary. The health professional can also help to determine if the symptoms are due to anxiety or another medical issue.
For instance, breathing difficulties can be a symptom of lung diseases or heart disease. If someone feels that the shortness of breath is caused by one of these problems it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as they can.
Breathing exercises can be helpful to help manage anxiety. Concentrating on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help reduce anxiety and slow down the heartbeat. It is also important to stay away from smoking and drinking beverages with caffeine, as they can aggravate anxiety-related symptoms.
While some anxiety is normal, persistent worry could mean that you have anxiety disorder. If you require help with in managing your anxiety, call us to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. We can provide you with how to live a life free of anxiety.
Tight muscles
Everyone is prone to stiff muscles from time to time however, if they become an ongoing issue, it could indicate anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect your whole body, including your muscles. These hormones may not be bad, but if have them in your system for a long time, they can weaken your immunity and cause health problems such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
In short your body isn't designed to be constantly on edge If you're experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis it might be time to speak with your doctor about it.
If you notice an increase in your heart rate, sweating, or a shaky hand, these are the typical signs of panic attack. These can occur without warning and require immediate attention. The symptoms typically last for a few minutes, and then subside as your body slows down.
Anxiety can cause problems with your digestive system. Stress can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation or the feeling that your stomach is "stuck". This is believed to be due to the connection between your brain and your digestive system.
Alongside joint pain and exhaustion, muscles tightness can be a common sign of anxiety. Constant tightness can cause you clench your teeth or pull on your skin. It can also interfere with your sleep, daily activities, and your sleep. If you are feeling this way it's a good idea to visit a physical therapist. They can identify the cause of your discomfort. They can also give you a program of exercise at home that will aid.
Nausea or vomiting
Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety feel so real that we think them for a physical problem. This could result in an extensive investigation to determine the cause, even if symptoms are frequent and are a disruption to your daily life. It is important to speak with your physician if the symptoms persist for an extended period of time.
The body's stress response increases the speed at which your heart pumps blood throughout the body, which may result in chest discomfort and breath shortness. Your breathing can also speed up which is known as hyperventilation. This can enhance many of the other physical symptoms of anxiety that are listed 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 your digestive system is usually the cause of nausea or vomiting. Avoiding certain foods like caffeine, chocolate and alcohol can help alleviate nausea caused by anxiety. You could also try eating something less savoury like plain crackers or bread. It's recommended to drink water and other clear liquids if 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 way, the symptoms won't appear before it's too excessive. This can also help them to manage their anxiety symptoms, before they turn into nauseating. or stop the anxiety from getting worse so that they can sleep better. Some people also benefit from visiting a mental health professional for anxiety treatment such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
Headaches
A headache is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you're anxious, your brain ruminates over a fear or worry that is overwhelming. Your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you deal with a potential threat. These chemicals are beneficial in the face of the threat of danger, but if your anxiety is constant or intense, they could be detrimental.
It's not a good idea to always be in a"fight-or-flight" state. For instance, tight muscles that prepare you to run or escape could cause migraines and tension headaches. If you are suffering from frequent headaches, you should try to reduce your intake of caffeine and other substances which can trigger headaches.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that anxiety can affect your menstrual cycle too. It can cause bloating, abdominal cramps, and even irregular menstrual flow. The high levels of hormones anxiety causes can interfere with the release of progesterone, which induces ovulation, and estrogen.
If your anxiety is intense or ongoing, speak to an expert in healthcare. Your provider will ask you about your anxiety symptoms and perform a physical exam to determine the cause of your anxiety. Your provider will also speak to you about your daily routine and how anxiety affects your daily activities.
You can treat anxiety by consulting a primary physician or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can offer you medications that can help control your symptoms, for example an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication or sedative. You may also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, and exercise to lower your stress levels.