What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Many people find out they suffer from anxiety based on their physical symptoms, like sweating or a racing heart. This is because the body's fight or flight response is designed to get us away from danger as quickly as possible.

This response can cause physical discomfort and discomfort when it's chronic. Here are some of the most commonly reported physical symptoms of anxiety:

Heart palpitations

An indication of anxiety is heart palpitations, which are an indication that your heartbeat is erratic or is not normal. The fluttering or flipping sensation could make you feel as if your heart is racing and it may also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. The heart rate can be higher or frequent if someone is suffering from an anxiety attack. These instances can be terrifying.

This is due to the body's natural fight-or-flight response that is designed to help you escape or fight against a threat. When you're stressed, your brain triggers this response even if there's not any threat.

This can trigger physical symptoms, such as nausea, headaches and shakiness. It can also cause irritable bowels syndrome and difficulty sleeping.

It is important to keep in mind that heart palpitations are generally harmless, but they can be a sign of an undiagnosed heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor right away. They might conduct an ECG or refer you to a specialist, according to what they believe is the root cause.

In some cases, your doctor will recommend treatments that focus on reducing your stress and anxiety. They may recommend cognitive behavior therapy that teaches you to change the way you think and react to situations and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. They might prescribe medication like beta-blockers, for instance. These are typically prescribed to treat high blood tension but also to slow the heart rate.

You can also employ "vagal maneuvers," like laying down on your stomach, squeezing it, squeezing your breath or splashing cold water on your face, to lessen the electrical stimulation of the heart. These can help slow down your heart rate and stop the irregular beats that can cause anxiety.

Breathing fast

If someone is feeling nervous the body releases hormones to prepare them for fighting or fleeing an immediate threat. This causes blood to flow to the arms and legs and can cause you feel tired and weak. This is due to your body taking all symptoms of anxiety the oxygen it can to fight or run. The feeling of being short of breath isn't a problem but it can be a bit frightening for certain people.

If the person feels anxiety regularly and is having difficulty with their daily routine and activities, they should talk to their physician. They can suggest methods to manage stress and prescribe medication if needed. The health care professional will determine whether the symptoms are related to anxiety or a medical condition.

For example, some breathing problems could be a sign of lung diseases or heart disease. If a person feels that breath shortness is caused by one of these issues, they need to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Breathing exercises can be extremely helpful to help manage anxiety. It is suggested to focus on breathing deeply into the abdomen, as this can help to reduce the heart rate, which reduces anxiety. Avoiding smoking and drinking caffeine-rich beverages can also help to lessen anxiety symptoms.

Although some anxiety from time to period is normal, persistent anxiety can be an indication that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you require help with managing your anxiety, contact us to make an appointment with one of our counselors. We will help you master the tools you need to live an easier life.

Tight muscles

Everyone experiences stiff muscles from time time however, if they become a persistent problem this could indicate anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect the entire body, including muscles. These hormones aren't necessarily harmful, but if you are a victim of them for a long time they could weaken your immune system and cause health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease.

In short, your body isn't meant to be constantly on edge, so if you are experiencing these symptoms regularly it might be time to consult your doctor about it.

If you notice an abrupt increase in your sweating, heart rate or shaky hands These are typical symptoms of breath holding anxiety of panic attacks, which can happen without warning and requires immediate treatment. The symptoms typically occur within a matter of minutes, but they will subside as your body starts to calm down.

Anxiety can cause your gastrointestinal system to go out of sync. Stress can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation or the feeling that your stomach is "stuck". This is believed to be due to the relationship between your brain and your digestive system.

Along with joint pain and exhaustion, muscles tightness is a typical symptom of anxiety. Persistent tightness can cause you to clench your jaw or pull at your skin, and it can disrupt your sleeping and everyday activities. If you feel this way, it's best to consult a physical therapist. They can pinpoint the root of your discomfort. They can also give you a program of exercise at home that will assist.

Nausea or vomiting

Often, anxiety symptoms can appear so real that we think them for a physical issue. This could result in an extensive search for the cause, even if the symptoms are consistent and are a disturbance to your everyday life. This is the reason it's so important to consult with your doctor if experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, especially if they are lasting for long periods of time.

Stress can cause your heart to pump blood faster that can cause chest pain and shortness breath. Hyperventilation can also be a cause of increased breathing. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine this could cause many of the physical symptoms as it disturbs the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood.

Stress on your digestive system is typically the reason for nausea or vomiting. Avoiding foods such as chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol can help lessen nausea that is associated with anxiety. You can also eat something simple like plain crackers or bread. It's recommended to drink water and other clear liquids while you're experiencing nausea to prevent dehydration.

Some people discover that they are able to get rid of their nausea caused by anxiety through learning techniques, like mindfulness and deep breathing, ensuring that the symptoms don't begin until it's too late. This may also aid them in managing parental anxiety symptoms symptoms before they turn nauseating or stop their anxiety from getting worse, so they can sleep better. Some people are better off seeing a mental healthcare professional like psychologists or psychiatrists, for anxiety treatment.

Headaches

A headache is a common symptom of anxiety. If you're feeling anxious and your brain is racing over a fear or worry that is overwhelming and your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to help you react to a threat, the Mayo Clinic explains. These chemicals are beneficial in response to the threat of danger however if your anxiety is constant or severe, they can be harmful.

It's not healthy to constantly be in a fight-or-flight state. For instance, muscles that are tense that prepare you to run or escape can result in tension headaches and migraines. If you experience frequent headaches, you should try reducing your caffeine intake as well as other substances that could trigger headaches.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that anxiety can also affect your period. It can cause abdominal cramps, bloating and even irregular menstrual flow. This is due to the high levels of hormones caused by anxiety can affect the release of estrogen that induces ovulation and progesterone.

Talk to a doctor when you're experiencing anxiety that is extreme. Your provider will ask you about your anxiety symptoms and conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of your anxiety. Your doctor will also talk with you about your daily routine and how reduce Anxiety symptoms your anxiety affects your daily activities.

A primary care physician or psychiatrist can assist you how to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety deal with your anxiety. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to treat your symptoms, such as antidepressants and anxiety medications, or sedatives. You can also try relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and exercise to reduce your stress levels.