Anxiety Symptoms Physical: A Simple Definition
Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?
The majority of people are aware that worry and fear are symptoms of anxiety. But the physical effects of anxiety can be more alarming - and may even like those of a heart attack.
If your worries and physical symptoms interfere with daily life you should seek assistance before they become worse. Your doctor may conduct tests to determine if there is a medical reason for your symptoms.
Pain or Pressure in the chest
Anxiety symptoms can include chest pain, which is terrifying at first. Some people worry that they're having a heart attack when they feel this chest pressure, however it's more likely that the symptoms are caused by anxiety as opposed to something more serious.
When someone feels anxious in their body, the brain and body immediately send out the stress response. This is a physical reaction, such as nausea, sweating, and breath shortness. It could also be accompanied by tense muscles and tingling hands and feet. This is known as the fight-or-flight response, and is designed to assist those in a risky situation.
Anxiety-related chest pain may feel like a stab or sharp ache in the center of the chest. It's typically followed by a feeling heavyness or a feeling of crushing pressure, and the pain usually is gone within a few minutes. Patients with anxiety may also feel discomfort in their shoulders, arms or jaws.
A rapid heartbeat is another typical symptom. It can feel as if the heart is racing or having a few beats. This is a sign the heart is working harder to get oxygen into the bloodstream, and this can result in chest pain.
If you are experiencing chest pain or other anxiety symptoms it is essential to see a doctor. They can determine the cause and rule out heart issues, such as coronary artery disease. If they determine that the cause is anxiety or stress, a physician may suggest medication or psychotherapy to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce them over time.
Numbness or tingling in the Legs and Arms
Numbness in the arms or legs can be a highly unnerving anxiety symptom. It might come and go and it could be a normal feeling that happens on a regular basis. The feeling of numbness may be a result of other anxiety symptoms like a sweating, headache or a slurred breath. It could also be a distinct symptom of stress that is chronic or excessive or may occur on its own.
Tingling sensations in the hands and feet could be a sign of stress. These sensations could be a result of the fight-or flight response. When you feel scared the body prepares for action by increasing blood flow to muscles and vital organs, while reducing it in areas that aren't vital in a fight or flight situation. The redirected blood flow may lead to numbness in the extremities.
While it's important to realize that not every tingling and feeling of numbness is due to anxiety however, it's equally important recognize that the symptoms could be caused by other medical conditions such as diabetes, nerve damage, or an infection. To rule out a underlying problem, you should make an appointment with your physician.
You can lessen anxiety by reducing your worries. This will eliminate the numbness and tingling caused by anxiety. Try relaxation techniques, self care strategies, or speak to a trusted friend about your worries. If you are still struggling with anxiety you might consider joining an anxiety support group. Many people find that talking to people can help them deal with their anxiety. You can also find a variety of anxiety coping strategies online, such as yoga and meditation. You can also ask your GP to offer advice or refer you for counselling services.
Weakness or Fainting
Anxiety can cause people to feel weak or weak due to a decrease in blood flow to their brains and muscles. This can be a terrifying feeling as it can make you feel like there's something wrong with you. Inform your doctor if feel weak or faint so they can determine whether there is an underlying health issue. This includes checking for thyroid blood pressure, heart rate and other medical issues.
It's important to discuss your anxiety-related symptoms with your doctor and how they affect your life. Your doctor will help you identify what's causing anxiety and offer options for treatment. They'll begin with a physical exam, and they'll ask about your medical history as well as any medications you're taking (including herbal remedies, over-the counter medications and recreational drugs).
Some people develop anxiety disorders as a result of trauma or stress in their life. Certain individuals have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety disorders, while others take medications that can trigger them. The reason for an anxiety disorder isn't fully identified, but it is likely that the brain releases stress hormones when someone is stressed or anxious and can cause long-term effects on the body.
People with anxiety often cut off from family and friends and avoid certain activities or places and spend much of their time searching for comfort to ease their anxieties. This can lead to social isolation and depression. Mental health treatment helps individuals stop worrying take body sensations into consideration and manage worrying thoughts. Some types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy are particularly beneficial for those suffering from health anxiety.
Muscles tightened or braced
For the majority of people, tension in the muscles of anxiety is a temporary occurrence that fades after the stressful event is over. For some, however, anxiety-related muscle tension is persistent, lasting for weeks or even days. This can lead to stiffness, pains and aches in the shoulders, back chest, face, neck or stomach, as well as other body parts.
When your body experiences stress, it sets off a series of physical responses to prepare your body for fight or fight or. These include an increase in blood flow to muscles so they can react quickly, in addition to tension in the muscles. This is a normal reaction that helps you to escape danger and handle emergencies. When your body is constantly on alert, which can be the case with chronic anxiety, this could result in long-term health issues.
One of the most frequently cited causes is hyperstimulation. Iampsychiatry happens when your body's survival instinct is activated repeatedly. This can lead to your body getting stuck in the fight or flight response, which causes anxiety-related symptoms like a pounding heartbeat tension in your muscles, dizziness or nervousness.
If you know someone who frequently experiences these types of symptoms Try to help them break the cycle by offering encouragement and support. You can also distract your friend by asking him to browse through an album of photos or wash his clothes. This can help ease his mind off of his anxious feelings. Encourage them to consult an expert in mental health or physician for an evaluation. This may include medical examinations or laboratory tests to rule out any other health concerns.
Dry Mouth
If you are feeling anxious, your body's fight-or-flight stress response comes into play. This releases a burst of adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream. This increases the rate of your pulse and breathing to ensure that you have more oxygen reaching your brain. These effects can prepare you for an emergency situation However, they can also leave you feeling tired and uncomfortable.
You may also notice that you have a dry mouth when you are stressed. The dry mouth may appear to be dehydrated but that is generally not the case. The dry mouth is caused by your hyperarousal of your nervous system, which can cause your stomach to produce more acid.
Additionally when you're stressed, you often breathe through your mouth rather than your nose. This can result in excessive swallowing which dries the throat. This is also an adverse effect of many anxiety medications, like antidepressants.
Try chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water to increase salivation If you suffer from dry mouth. Talk to your doctor if taking medications that cause dry mouth.
If you experience a dry mouth and it does not improve with medication, you can try relaxation techniques or therapy. This can aid in managing your anxiety. It is important to seek treatment for anxiety symptoms when they begin to appear, so that you do not let the problem get worse. BetterHelp has more than 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Begin your online evaluation for free to find the most suitable therapist. This article was originally published on Anxiety UK.