When facing a stressful situation or overwhelming pressures, worrying can be normal. But when it becomes all-consuming and debilitating, then it has evolved into an anxiety disorder. While racing thoughts, fears, trouble concentrating, memory loss and irritability are all common symptoms of anxiety, there are also physical ones that need to be recognized too.
When faced with stress, our bodies turn on a “fight or flight” system that not only causes emotional and mental reactions, but physical ones as well. These are particularly present as adrenaline begins to pump through our body at an abnormal rate. Interestingly enough, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize these physical symptoms as a component of anxiety, and some people living with anxiety might make several trips to the doctor to address these symptoms before concluding that it is in fact anxiety. Therefore, it’s important, especially if you are under a lot of stress or worry, to speak with a mental health professional if you begin exhibiting the following physical symptoms.
Image Takashi Hososhima
Physical symptoms of anxiety include:
- Muscle tension. (As a result of continually clenching muscles when stressed or anxious)
- Difficulties sleeping. (Constant racing thoughts and elevated heart rate can keep someone up all night, which certainly causes problems for the body).
- Increased heart rate.
- Indigestion. (The stomach is very sensitive to mental stress and individuals living with anxiety can feel nauseous often or even develop irritable bowel syndrome as a result).
- Increased bodily temperature and sweating.
In addition to the above, there are physical symptoms associated with having a panic or anxiety attack. These can include:
- Trouble breathing
- Hot flashes or chills
If anxiety isn’t addressed or handled, chronic physical conditions can also begin to set in. These can include:
- Suppressed immune system
- Short-term memory loss
- Digestive problems
- Heart attacks
Therefore, it’s important to seek professional help if you struggle with anxiety. The physical toll this mental condition can have on your body can be serious and lasting.
Feature image Vic