Forget Anxiety Symptoms Physical: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?
Many people are aware that worry and fear are symptoms of anxiety. However, the physical symptoms of anxiety can be more alarming and could mimic the symptoms of heart attacks.
If your physical and mental symptoms interfere with daily life you should seek help before they get any worse. Your doctor may run tests to rule out a medical cause for your symptoms.
Pressure or pain in the chest
Anxiety symptoms can include chest discomfort, which can be initially frightening. Some people are afraid they're suffering from heart attacks when they feel this chest pressure, however it's more likely that the symptoms are the result of anxiety rather than something more serious.
When a person feels anxiety in their body, the brain and body immediately trigger a stress response. This includes a physical reaction like sweating, nausea and breath shortness. It could also cause tense muscles and tingling hands and feet. This is known as the fight or flight response, and it's designed to assist someone in a potentially dangerous situation.
The pain in the chest due to anxiety can feel like a sharp or stabbing sensation that is located in the chest. The pain is typically coupled with a feeling of weight or pressure. It usually goes away within a few minutes. Anxiety can cause pain in the arms, shoulders or jaw.
A rapid heartbeat is another frequent sign. It may feel like the heart is racing or having a few beats. This is a sign of the heart working harder to bring more oxygen into the bloodstream.
It's important to see a doctor if you have chest pain or any other anxiety symptoms. They can pinpoint the root of the problem and rule out a heart issue, such as coronary artery disease. If the doctor determines that anxiety is the reason the issue, he can prescribe psychotherapy or medication in order to alleviate the symptoms.
Numbness or tingling in the Legs or Arms
Numbness in the arms or legs can be a very unnerving anxiety symptom. It could be a temporary occurrence, or it might be a regular feeling that occurs on a day-to-day basis. Numbness can be associated with other symptoms of anxiety, such as a sweating, headache or shortness of breath. It could also be a symptom that is a part of stress that is excessive or chronic, or it might occur on its own.
Tingling in the feet or hands could be a sign that you are stressed. These symptoms could be the result of the fight-or flight response. When you are frightened, the body prepares for actions by increasing blood flow to muscles and other organs, and reducing it in areas that aren't vital in a fight or flight situation. This redirected flow of blood could cause numbness of the extremities.
It is crucial to recognize that not all tingling and numbness is caused by anxiety. The symptoms could be caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage, or an infection. To rule out an underlying issue, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor.
When you are able to manage your stress the anxiety will decrease, which can eliminate anxiety-induced numbness in the extremities. Try relaxation techniques, self-care strategies, or talk to a trusted person about your worries. Consider joining a support group for anxiety if your worries persist. Many people find that talking to people can help them deal with their anxiety. There are a variety of anxiety coping strategies online, such as meditation and yoga. Alternately, you can consult your GP for advice or recommend counselling services.
Weakness or Fainting
A person suffering from anxiety might feel weak or faint because of a lack of blood flow to the muscles and brain. This can be a terrifying feeling as it can make you feel like there is something wrong with you. It is essential to inform your doctor about any fainting or weakness you experience so they can look for an unrelated health issue. This includes testing for thyroid blood pressure, heart rate and other medical conditions.
If you think you're suffering from anxiety, it's important to talk to your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Your doctor can help determine what's causing your anxiety and recommend treatment options. They'll start by conducting a physical exam. They will inquire about your medical background, including any prescription or herbal medications as well as recreational drugs and other medications.
There are people who develop anxiety disorders because of an event that was traumatizing or stressful in their lives. Certain people have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety disorders while others take medications that cause them. The reason for an anxiety disorder isn't fully identified, but it is likely that the brain releases stress hormones when a person is stressed or anxious, and these can have long-term effects on the body.
People with anxiety often cut off from family and friends and avoid certain activities or places, and spend a lot of time seeking reassurance to ease their worries. This can lead to depression and social isolation. Mental health treatment helps people stop anxious behaviors, accept body sensations and manage thoughts of worry. Some types of therapy are particularly effective in treating health anxiety, such as cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders.
Tense or Braced Muscles
For most people, anxiety-induced muscle tension is a temporary experience that disappears once the stressful situation has passed. For some, however, anxiety-induced muscle tension is persistent, lasting for days or even weeks. This can result in discomfort, stiffness and aches in the shoulders, back and neck, chest, face or stomach, and 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. This includes an increase in blood flow to muscles so they can react quickly, as well as tension in the muscles. This is generally an excellent thing as it helps you get away from danger or manage an emergency situation. If your body is constantly in high alert, as is the case with chronic anxiety, this could lead to long-term issues.
Hyperstimulation is among the most frequent causes. This happens when your body's survival instinct is triggered repeatedly. anxiety disorder symptoms can result in your body being stuck in the fight or flight response, which causes you to have anxiety-induced symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, tension in your muscles, dizziness, or nervousness.
If you know someone who frequently suffers from these symptoms, try to help them break the cycle by offering encouragement and assistance. You could distract them by asking them to take a look at the photos in a book or clean the house, as this can often take their focus off of the anxiety. Another option is to urge them to see a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation. This could involve a medical exam or lab tests to rule out other health issues.
Dry Mouth
When you feel stressed, your body's fight or flee response kicks in. This triggers a surge of adrenaline, and other hormones to enter your bloodstream. This also increases the rate of your pulse and breathing to ensure that more oxygen can reach your brain. These effects can help you prepare for a crisis but can they can also make you feel exhausted and uncomfortable.
You may also experience a dry mouth if you're stressed. The dry mouth may appear as if you are dehydrated however this is typically not the situation. Dry mouth is the result of hyperarousal in your nervous system, which can also increase the production of acid in your stomach.
When you're stressed, you may find yourself breathing through your nose rather than through your mouth. This can lead to excessive swallowing, which can dry the throat. This can be a side-effect of many anxiety medications like antidepressants.
Try chewing sugarless gum or drinking water to stimulate salivation in the event that you suffer from dry mouth. Consult your doctor if taking a medication that causes dryness of the mouth.
If you have a dry mouth and it doesn't improve with medication, you can try relaxation techniques or therapy. This can aid in managing your anxiety. It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety-related symptoms immediately when they start to show in order to not let the problem get worse. You can find a therapist online at BetterHelp that has more than 20,000 licensed therapists offering an affordable and convenient online therapy. Begin your free online assessment to be assigned to a therapist who is the right fit for you. This article originally appeared on Anxiety UK.