anxiety-symptoms

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?Many people learn they have anxiety based on physical symptoms, such as sweating or a racing heart. The body’s fight-or flight response is designed to get you away from danger as quickly as you can.When this response is chronic however, it may result in uncomfortable and unpleasant physical effects. Here are a few of the most frequent physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety:Heart palpitationsA common sign of anxiety is heart palpitations, which are a feeling that your heartbeat is racing or is irregular. The flickering or fluttering sensation can make you feel like your heart is racing and can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Some people experience palpitations are more frequent or intense when they are experiencing an anxiety attack. These events can be scary.This is due to the body’s normal response of fight-or-flight, which is meant to help you get away from or defend yourself against any threat. If you are stressed, this system is activated, even though no danger exists.The issue is that this reaction is so strong that it could cause many physical symptoms, including stomach pain, shakiness and headaches. It can also cause difficulty sleeping and irritable bowel syndrome.Heart palpitations can be harmless but they may also indicate an issue with the heart, such as atrial flutter. Talk to your doctor immediately when you notice any of these symptoms. They might order an ECG or refer you to a specialist according to what they believe is the cause.In certain situations your doctor may recommend treatments that focus on decreasing your anxiety and stress. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you how to alter the way you think and react to situations and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. They can prescribe medications like beta-blockers, for instance. These are generally prescribed to treat high blood pressure but can also reduce the heart rate.You can also try “vagal maneuvers” like laying down on your stomach, squeeze it, holding your breath or splashing cold water on your face to reduce electrical stimulation of the heart. These can help to slow your heartbeat, and stop the irregular beats that can cause anxiety.Breathing quicklyWhen someone is stressed the body releases hormones that prepare them to fight or flee from an the immediate threat. This triggers blood to flow to the legs and arms and may make you feel exhausted. This is because your body is using up all the oxygen it has available to help fight or run away. It’s not harmful to feel short of breath however some people may find it scary.If the person feels anxiety frequently and is having difficulty with daily activities it is recommended to consult their physician. They can offer stress management techniques and possibly prescribe medication if required. The health professional will also be able to determine whether the symptoms are due to anxiety or another medical issue.For example, some breathing problems can be a symptom of heart disease or lung disorders. If someone feels that the breath is short caused by one of these conditions and they are experiencing breathing difficulties, they should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.Breathing exercises are an excellent way to control anxiety. Focusing on breathing deeply into your abdomen can help to reduce anxiety and slow down the heartbeat. It is also essential to avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking beverages with caffeine, as they can worsen anxiety-related symptoms.While some anxiety is normal, a constant anxiety could indicate that you have anxiety disorder. If you require help with managing your anxiety, contact us to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. We can teach you the tools to live a life free from anxiety.Muscles that are tightEveryone is prone to stiff muscles at some point in their lives, however, if it becomes an ongoing issue, it could be a sign of anxiety. The fight-or-flight response releases stress hormones that affect your whole body, including the muscles. These hormones aren’t necessarily bad, but if you are a victim of them for a long time, they can lower your immunity and cause health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease.In short your body isn’t designed to be constantly on edge, so if you are experiencing these symptoms frequently it might be time to consult your doctor about it.If you notice an abrupt increase in your heart rate, sweating, or shaky hands, these are classic symptoms of a panic attack that can occur without warning and require immediate attention. physical symptoms of anxiety occur within a matter of minutes, and then decrease as your body begins to calm down.Anxiety can cause problems with your digestive system. Anxiety can cause stomach pains, diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that your stomach is “stuck”. This is believed to be due to the connection between your brain and your digestive system.Along with joint pain and exhaustion, tightness in the muscles is a typical sign of anxiety. The constant tightness can cause you to clench your jaw or pull at your skin, which can disrupt your sleeping and everyday activities. If you are feeling this way, it’s a good idea visit an acupuncturist or physical therapist. They can help identify the source of your discomfort and offer you an appropriate exercise routine at home to tackle it.Nausea or vomitingSometimes, the symptoms of anxiety are so real that we think they are due to physical issues. This can lead to an exhaustive search for the root of the issue regardless of whether symptoms are frequent and are a disturbance to your everyday life. It’s important to consult your doctor if these symptoms persist for a long period of time.Stress can cause your heart to pump blood more quickly which can cause chest pain and shortness breath. Your breathing could also increase and this is referred to as hyperventilation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine it can cause many of the physical anxiety symptoms listed above because it disrupts the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood.Stress on your digestive system is usually the cause of nausea and vomiting. This is why avoiding foods such as alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine can help ease nausea that is associated with anxiety. You can also try eating something bland, such as plain toast or crackers. Drinking water or other clear liquids if feel nauseated. This will help prevent dehydration.Some people can stop anxiety-induced nausea by learning techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness. This way, the symptoms will not show up until it’s too for them to handle. This can also aid them in managing their anxiety symptoms before they turn nauseating or even stop their anxiety from getting worse, allowing them to sleep better. Certain people can benefit from seeing a mental healthcare professional like psychologists or psychiatrists, for treatment of anxiety.HeadachesA headache is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious, your brain is ruminating over a worry or fear that is overwhelming and your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol to help you react to threats as the Mayo Clinic explains. These chemicals can be helpful when you’re responding to a real threat, but they can be harmful if anxiety becomes constant or is severe.It’s not good to constantly be in a”fight-or-flight” state. For instance, tight muscles that prepare you for running or escape could cause migraines and tension headaches. If you have frequent headaches, think about cutting down on caffeine and other substances that trigger them.Anxiety can also mess with your menstrual cycle, leading to abdominal cramps and bloating, could result in irregular or missed menstrual periods, the Cleveland Clinic reports. The high levels of hormones anxiety can cause can hinder the release ovulation-inducing progesterone and estrogen.If your anxiety is extreme or ongoing, speak to a healthcare professional. Your physician will inquire about your anxiety-related symptoms and conduct a physical examination to determine the cause of your anxiety. Your doctor will inquire about your daily routine, and how anxiety impacts your daily activities.You can manage anxiety by consulting a primary physician or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to control your symptoms such as antidepressants and anxiety medications or sedatives. You can also reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and exercising.