Five Symptoms Of Anxiety Lessons From The Professionals
What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
Many people are unaware that they are suffering from anxiety due to their physical symptoms. For example an increased pulse or sweating. The body's fight-or-flight response is designed to get you away from danger as fast as you can.
If this response becomes chronic however, it may have negative and uncomfortable physical consequences. Here are a few 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 erratic or is not normal. The fluttering, or flipping, sensation could make you dizzy and feel lightheaded. The heart rate can be higher or frequent when someone is having an anxiety attack. These episodes can be frightening.
This is because of the body's natural defense mechanism that is designed to aid you in escaping or fighting off a real threat. But when you're anxious your brain triggers this response even if there's not any danger.
This can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches, nausea and shakiness. It can also lead to difficulty sleeping and irritable bowel syndrome.
It's important to note that heart palpitations are typically harmless, but they could be a sign of an existing heart problem such as atrial fibrillation. Consult your doctor immediately when you notice any of these symptoms. They might request an ECG or refer you to a specialist depending on what they believe is the reason.
In certain instances your doctor may recommend treatments that focus on reducing your stress and separation anxiety disorder symptoms in adults. Cognitive behavior therapy, where you learn to alter your thinking and reaction to situations, as well as relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, are just a few examples of these treatments. They can also prescribe medications like beta blockers, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, but can reduce heart rate as well.
You can also try "vagal techniques," such as putting your weight on your stomach, squeeze it, holding your breath or splashing cold liquid on your face to decrease the electrical stimulation of the heart. These can help to slow the heartbeat and stop the irregular heartbeats which can cause separation anxiety mother symptoms.
Breathing fast
When a person is anxious, the body releases hormones that prepare them for fighting or fleeing any immediate threat. This response can cause blood to flow into the legs and arms, and make you feel nauseous. This is because the body is using up all the oxygen it has available to help fight or escape. The feeling of being short of breath isn't harmful but it can be a bit frightening for some people.
If someone is experiencing social anxiety symptoms regularly and is having difficulty with daily activities it is recommended to consult their doctor. They can prescribe medication and teach methods for managing stress. The health care professional can determine whether the symptoms are due to anxiety or another medical issue.
For instance, breathing problems could be a sign of lung or heart diseases. If someone feels that the shortness of breath is caused by one of these conditions and they are experiencing breathing difficulties, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Breathing exercises can be beneficial to reduce anxiety. Concentrating on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help reduce anxiety and slow the heartbeat. It is also essential to avoid smoking and drinking caffeine-laden beverages, since they can worsen anxiety symptoms.
Although some anxiety from time moment is normal, continuous feelings of worry can be an indication that you may have an anxiety disorder. If you need help managing your anxiety, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We can teach you how to reduce anxiety symptoms to live a life that is free of anxiety.
Tight muscles
Everyone is prone to stiff muscles from time time However, if they develop into an ongoing problem, it could indicate anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect your whole body, including the muscles. These hormones might not be bad, but if you have them in your system 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 designed to be constantly on edge and if you're experiencing these symptoms regularly it might be time to speak with your doctor about it.
If you notice an increase in heart rate, sweating or a shaking hand, these are typical symptoms of a panic attack. They can occur without warning and require immediate attention. Symptoms typically peak within minutes and subside when your body is able to settle down.
Anxiety can cause problems with your digestive system. People who have anxiety often experience stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or the feeling of their stomach "getting stuck." This is thought to be due to the connection between your brain and your digestive tract.
Along with joint pain and exhaustion tightness in the muscles is a typical symptom of anxiety. Constant tightness can cause you clench your teeth or pull your skin. It can also interfere with your sleep, daily activities, and your sleep. It's a great idea to seek out an occupational therapist if you feel this way. They can help you identify the root of your discomfort and recommend an appropriate exercise routine at home to help you address it.
Nausea or vomiting
Often, anxiety symptoms can be real enough that we may mistake them for a physical problem. This can lead to an exhaustive search for the root of the issue regardless of whether symptoms are frequent and cause interruption to your life. This is the reason it's so important to consult your doctor if experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, especially those that last for long periods of time.
The body's stress response can increase how fast your heart pumps blood around your body, which may cause chest discomfort and breath shortness. Your breathing also might accelerate, which is known as hyperventilation. This can enhance the physical anxiety symptoms 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 of anxiety. They are typically caused by stress on your digestive system. Avoiding foods such as chocolate, caffeine and alcohol can help lessen nausea that is associated with anxiety. You could also try eating something less savoury like bread or crackers. It's also a good idea to drink water and other clear liquids if you're feeling nauseous to prevent dehydration.
Some people discover that they can get rid of their nausea caused by anxiety by learning techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing, so the symptoms don't begin until it's too late. This can also help to manage their anxiety symptoms, before they turn into nauseating. Or prevent their anxiety from getting worse so that they can sleep better. Some people are better off visiting a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrists, for treatment of anxiety.
Headaches
A headache is a typical manifestation of anxiety. Mayo Clinic explains that when you're stressed your brain is ruminating over worries or fears that can be overwhelming. Your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in order to help you respond to any threat. These chemicals can be helpful when you are responding to the threat of a real one however, they could be harmful if anxiety is constant or is extreme.
Your body isn't designed to be in constant fight-or-flight mode, and that could affect your physical health. Muscles that are tight and preparing your body to run or escape, for instance can trigger migraines and tension headaches. If you have frequent headaches, think about cutting down on caffeine and other substances that can trigger them.
Anxiety can also mess with your period, causing abdominal cramps and bloating, possibly leading to irregular or missed menstrual periods according to the Cleveland Clinic reports. The elevated levels of hormones anxiety triggers can affect the release of progesterone that induces ovulation and estrogen.
Talk to a doctor in the event of severe anxiety. Your doctor will inquire about your anxiety chest pain symptoms-related symptoms and conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of your anxiety. Your doctor will also talk to you about your daily routine and how anxiety impacts your daily activities.
A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can help you manage anxiety. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to treat your symptoms, such as antidepressants and anxiety medications or sedatives. You may also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing and exercise to reduce the stress levels.