What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
Many people discover they suffer from anxiety based on their physical symptoms, like a racing heart or sweating. This is because the body's fight or flight response is designed to help us get away from danger as quickly as possible.
This can cause physical discomfort and discomfort if it is chronic. Here are a few common physical symptoms associated with anxiety:
Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a typical sign of anxiety. They're the feeling that your heartbeat is racing. This fluttering or flipping, sensation could cause you to feel dizzy and feeling lightheaded. The heart rate can be higher or frequent if someone is suffering from an anxiety attack. These episodes can be frightening.
This is due to the body's natural fight-or-flight response, which is supposed to assist you in escaping or fighting against a threat. When you're stressed your brain triggers this system, even though there isn't any threat.
This reaction can cause physical symptoms like headaches, nausea and shaking. It can also cause Irritated bowel syndrome and difficulty sleeping.
Heart palpitations can be harmless but they may also indicate a heart issue, such as atrial flutter. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They may request an ECG or refer you to a specialist depending on what they believe is the cause.
In certain situations, a doctor may recommend treatments that reduce your anxiety and stress. Cognitive behavior therapy, where you learn how to change your thoughts and reactions to situations, and relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing are a few examples of these treatments. They can also prescribe medications like beta blockers, which are typically used to treat high blood pressure but can reduce heart rate as well.
You may also try "vagal maneuvers," that involve performing activities like bending your back on your stomach, squeezing it and holding your breath, or splashing cold water on your face to lessen the heart's electrical stimulation. These can slow down your heart rate and stop the irregular heartbeats that can cause anxiety.
Breathing fast
When a person is anxious, the body releases hormones to prepare them for fighting or fleeing any immediate threat. This causes blood to flow to the arms and legs and can cause you feel exhausted. This is because your body is using all the oxygen available to fight or run. It is not harmful to feel a little breathless However, some people might find it scary.
If someone is suffering from hormonal anxiety symptoms (
redirect to Yogicentral) on a regular basis, and it is causing them difficulties in their daily lives, they should speak to their physician. They can prescribe medication or teach methods for managing stress. The health specialist will also be able to determine whether the
symptoms of breath holding anxiety are due to anxiety or a medical condition.
For instance, breathing problems can be a symptom of lung or heart diseases. If a person feels that the shortness of breath is caused by one of these conditions, they need to seek medical attention as soon as they can.
Breathing exercises are a fantastic way to control anxiety. Concentrating on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help lower anxiety and slow the heartbeat. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-rich beverages can also help lessen
anxiety symptoms.
Although some anxiety from time period is normal, persistent anxiety could be an indication that you may have an anxiety disorder. If you need help in managing your
anxiety symptoms headache, call us to make an appointment with one of our counselors. We can help you learn the tools you require to lead more relaxed and less stressed.
Tight muscles
Everyone has stiff muscles at some point, however, if it becomes an ongoing issue it could be an indication of anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones which affect your muscles and the rest of your body. These hormones may not be harmful, 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 functioning anxiety symptoms blood-pressure or heart disease.
Your body isn't designed to be constantly on the edge. If you experience these symptoms regularly you should talk to your doctor.
If you notice an abrupt increase in your heart rate, sweating, or shaky hands These are typical symptoms of panic attacks that can occur without warning and require immediate treatment. The symptoms typically occur within a matter of minutes, but they will subside as your body begins to calm down.
Anxiety can cause your gastrointestinal system to be out of balance. People who have anxiety often complain of stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or an experience of their stomach "getting stuck." It is believed to be a result of the connection between your brain and your digestive tract.
Alongside joint pain and exhaustion muscles tightness is a typical sign of anxiety. The constant tightness can make you clench your teeth or pull your skin. It can also interfere with your sleeping, your daily activities, and your sleep. If you're feeling this way it's best to visit a physical therapist. They can identify the cause of your discomfort and provide you a home workout program that can aid.
Nausea or vomiting
Often, anxiety symptoms can appear so real that we think them for a physical problem. This can result in a search for the root cause even though symptoms are frequent and disrupt your routine. It is essential to consult your physician if the symptoms persist for a long period of time.
Stress can cause your heart to pump blood faster which can cause chest pain and shortness breath. Hyperventilation can also be a cause of increased breathing. This can exacerbate the physical symptoms of anxiety listed on this list, because it disrupts the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide 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 the reason avoiding foods like alcohol, chocolate and caffeine can help reduce your anxiety-related nausea. You could also try eating something less savoury like bread or crackers. You should also drink water or other clear liquids if you feel nauseous. This will help prevent dehydration.
Some people find that they are able to get rid of their nausea caused by anxiety through learning techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, ensuring that the symptoms don't begin until it's too late. This can also help them to control their anxiety symptoms before they become nauseating. Or prevent the anxiety from getting worse so that they can sleep better. Certain people may also benefit from visiting an expert in mental health care for treatment of anxiety like psychologists or psychiatrists.
Headaches
A headache is a common manifestation of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you are anxious your brain is ruminating over worries or fears that can be overwhelming. Your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to help you react to any threat. These chemicals can be beneficial when you are responding to a real threat however, they can be harmful if anxiety becomes chronic or excessive.
Your body isn't intended to be constantly in fight-or-flight mode, and that could affect your physical health. For example, tensed muscles that prepare you to run or escape can result in tension headaches and migraines. If you suffer from frequent headaches, think about cutting down on caffeine and other substances that can trigger them.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that anxiety can also affect your period. It can trigger abdominal cramps, bloating and even irregular menstrual cycles.