Symptoms Of Anxiety Tools To Streamline Your Day-To-Day Life
What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
Many people are unaware that they suffer from anxiety due to their physical symptoms. For instance the racing pulse 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.
If this response becomes chronic but it is not always a good idea, it could result in uncomfortable and unpleasant physical consequences. Here are some of the most commonly reported physical symptoms of anxiety:
Heart palpitations
A common sign of anxiety is heart palpitations, which is a feeling that your heartbeat is skipping or irregular. The flickering or fluttering sensation could make you feel as if your heart is racing and it may also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Some people experience heartbeats are more frequent or intense when they suffer from an anxiety attack, and these episodes can be frightening.
This is because of the body's natural response of fight or flight, which is designed to help to escape or fight the threat of a real one. If you are stressed, this system is activated even though there isn't any danger.
The problem is that this reaction is so strong that it can cause physical symptoms, like stomach pain, shakiness or headaches. It can also lead to trouble sleeping and irritable bowel syndrome.
Heart palpitations are not harmful but they could also be a sign of a heart issue, such as atrial flutter. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor right away. They can request an ECG, or refer you to a doctor depending on the reason they believe is the cause.
In certain situations your doctor might recommend treatments that focus on the reduction of anxiety and stress. Cognitive behavior therapy, in which you learn how to change your thoughts and reactions to situations, as well as relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing are all examples of these treatments. They may prescribe medications like beta-blockers, for instance. These are typically prescribed to treat high blood tension but can also slow down the heart rate.
You may also try "vagal maneuvers," which involve doing activities like bending down, squeezing your stomach, holding your breath or splashing cold water on your face to lessen electrical stimulation in the heart. These can help to slow the heartbeat and stop the irregular heartbeats that can trigger anxiety.
Breathing fast
When someone is stressed, the body releases hormones that prepare them to fight or flee from an an immediate threat. This triggers blood to flow to the legs and arms and may make you feel tired and weak. This is because the body is using all the oxygen it has available to fight or run away. It is not harmful to feel a little breathless however some people may find it frightening.
If someone is suffering from anxiety on a regular basis, and is causing them difficulties in their daily lives, they should speak with their doctor. They can suggest methods to manage stress and prescribe medication if needed. The health professional will also be able to determine whether the symptoms are caused by anxiety or a medical condition.
For example, some breathing difficulties can be a symptom of lung diseases or heart disease. If you believe that your breath is becoming short is due to one of these issues it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as you can.
Breathing exercises can be very beneficial to reduce anxiety. Concentrating on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help reduce anxiety and slow down the heartbeat. Avoiding smoking cigarettes and drinking caffeine-rich beverages can help lessen anxiety symptoms.
While some anxiety from time to moment is normal, continuous anxiety can be an indication that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. Contact us to set up an appointment with a counselor if need help dealing with anxiety. We will help you master the skills you require to lead an easier life.
Tight muscles
Everybody has stiff muscles from time time, but if they become a persistent problem, it could indicate anxiety. a knockout post -or flight response releases stress hormones that affect your muscles as well as the rest of your body. These hormones might not be bad, but if you are a victim of them for a long time, they can lower your immunity and cause health issues such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
In short the end, your body doesn't need to be constantly on edge If you're experiencing these symptoms regularly it might be time to consult your doctor about it.
If you notice a sudden increase in your sweating, heart rate, or shaky hands These are the classic signs of a panic attack, which can happen without warning and require immediate treatment. The symptoms typically peak within minutes and then subside once your body begins to calm down.
Anxiety can also cause your gastrointestinal system to become out of sync. People who have anxiety often experience stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or the feeling of their stomach "getting stuck." This is believed to be a result of the connection between your brain and your digestive tract.
Tightness in the muscles is another common symptom of anxiety, as is joint pain and fatigue. Insistent tightness may cause you to clench your jaw or pull at your skin, which could interfere with sleep and your daily activities. It's a good idea to consult an acupuncturist in the event that you experience this. They will be able to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and provide you a home workout program that can help.
Nausea or vomiting
Sometimes, the symptoms of anxiety are so real that we think they are caused by physical problems. This could lead to a lengthy search for the cause, even if the symptoms occur regularly and cause interruption to your life. It is important to speak with your doctor if these symptoms persist for an extended time.
The body's stress response increases the speed at which your heart pumps blood around the body, which can sometimes cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Hyperventilation is also a possible cause of increased breathing. This can enhance the physical symptoms of anxiety that are listed on this list, because it alters the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Nausea and vomiting are typical symptoms that are often associated with anxiety, and are usually due to the strain on your digestive system. This is why avoiding foods such as alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine can ease nausea that is associated with anxiety. You can also eat something bland like plain crackers or bread. It's recommended to drink water and other clear liquids when you're feeling nauseated to avoid dehydration.
Some people find that they can get rid of their nausea caused by anxiety through learning techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, ensuring that symptoms don't develop until it's too late. This can also help them to control their anxiety symptoms before they turn into nauseating. Or prevent their anxiety from getting worse, so they can sleep better. Certain people can benefit from seeing a mental healthcare professional such as psychologists or psychiatrists, for anxiety treatment.
Headaches
A headache is among the most frequently reported symptoms of anxiety. If you're feeling anxious, your brain is ruminating over a fear or worry that feels all-consuming and your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol in order to help you deal with an apprehension according to the Mayo Clinic explains. These chemicals are useful in the face of an actual threat, but when your anxiety is persistent or extreme, they can be detrimental.
Your body isn't designed to be constantly in fight-or-flight mode, and that can affect your physical health. The muscles that are tense and ready for your body to run or escape, for example can trigger tension headaches and migraines. If you experience frequent headaches, you should consider cutting the caffeine intake and other substances that trigger them.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that anxiety can affect your menstrual cycle too. It can cause abdominal cramps, bloating, and even irregular menstrual cycles. The elevated levels of hormones anxiety causes can interfere with the release of progesterone, which induces ovulation, and estrogen.
If your anxiety is extreme or ongoing, speak to an expert in healthcare. Your doctor will conduct a medical history and perform an examination to rule out physical reasons for your symptoms, then ask about how often and how intensely your anxiety. Your provider will also talk to you about your lifestyle and how your anxiety affects your daily routine.
A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can help you manage anxiety. A psychiatrist can provide you with medication that will control your symptoms, such as an antidepressant drug, anti-anxiety medicine or sedative. You can also lower stress through techniques for relaxation, such as meditation, deep breathing, and exercise.