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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Chronic anxiety can cause
physical symptoms of anxiety and depression symptoms and keep our bodies alert. These symptoms could include:
Get regular check-ups. Untreated anxiety may cause heart problems and other medical ailments. Talk to your doctor to find out how to manage these symptoms. For example, you can reduce caffeine consumption and stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs.
Muscles that are tight
Muscle tension is a frequent manifestation of anxiety. It can cause pain or stiffness in your back, neck shoulders,
anxiety symptoms tiredness chest, and back, as well as in your hands, feet, or stomach. Anxiety can also affect breathing and posture.
The muscle tension usually lasts for a short time and disappears after the trigger event, or incident is over. For some people, however, the muscle tension may be persistent and lead to long-term health issues.
The tightness of your muscles could be a sign of anxiety because the fight-or-flight stress response triggers your body to prepare for a threat by pumping more blood into muscles, which increases their strength and gives them more oxygen so that they can escape or combat a physical danger. This increased flow of blood is the reason why your heart beats faster and also why you breathe more quickly when you're feeling anxious.
During an occasional anxiety attack, the increased blood flow and quickened breathing can provide your immune system a brief boost that can help you get through any perceived threat or stressful situation. If you are constantly experiencing anxiety the increased alertness may become a part of your everyday life and trigger chronic symptoms such as breathing difficulties and tightness in your muscles.
Many of the other physical symptoms of anxiety, including fatigue and achy joints and muscles are the result of your body's release a flood of chemicals and hormones into your system in preparation to fight or escape a perceived threat. This constant state of alertness may make you feel exhausted and
anxiety symptoms tiredness feel as if you suffer from constant stomachaches or headaches.
Heart rate changes
Anxiety can cause your heart to run faster, which can lead to chest pain and shortness of breath. Stress causes adrenal glands, like adrenaline or cortisol producing hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate. This is a good response in an emergency in which you need to pump more blood to your large muscles to defend yourself or escape from a threat. But it can be harmful when it happens all the time, because it increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
It's possible that your stomach is more agitated when you're stressed. This is because your body's fight-or flight response keeps you on edge and can cause digestive issues and cause constipation, abdominal pain diarrhea or IBS. People who are anxious may also experience sleep issues or have a harder time sleeping due to being constantly on edge. Stress hormones can cause the immune system to weaken, thereby increasing the likelihood of contracting a cold or other infections.
If you have these physical symptoms of anxiety, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can look for medical issues that can cause similar symptoms, for instance thyroid problems. It is a good idea however, to consult an expert in mental health who can teach you how to manage your anxiety and reduce the physical symptoms. They may suggest treatments like psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy psychotherapy that will help you replace negative thoughts with healthy ones. Avoid taking your pulse as it can exacerbate anxiety symptoms tiredness (
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Tingling in your feet and hands
A tingling feeling in your hands and feet can be a sign of anxiety. Tingling in your feet or hands is also referred to as paresthesia and is a sign of the body's stress response which is activated by anxiety. In the event of a panic attack or other intense feelings of anxiety your body is trying to protect yourself from perceived danger or harm by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger a variety of physical reactions, including changes in your blood circulation.
As part of the fight or response to flight, your body redirects blood flow away peripheral areas and towards the major muscle groups that might require assistance in preparing for physical actions. This can result in a lower blood flow to your feet and hands which could cause the sensation of tingling. The tingling may be more apparent during times of anxiety or stress and will likely disappear when the tension subsides.
See your doctor if the tingling continues. They can assist you in managing your anxiety, and relieve the tingling in your feet and hands.
While tingling sensations in your hands or feet can be a sign of serious medical problem They are usually caused by stress. To lessen the discomfort you should exercise regularly to increase blood flow or practicing relaxation techniques. A good night's sleep is crucial, as
anxiety depression symptoms can influence your sleep habits. In addition, limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol can also help. If you notice the sensation of tingling suddenly in your hands or feet contact an FastMed Urgent Care location to talk to a health care specialist about your symptoms.
Dry mouth
If you're feeling anxious your body could begin to change the method of producing saliva. This condition is known as dry mouth, and can be a sign that you have anxiety. It could be a side effect of certain medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
If you have a dry mouth, it's important to see a doctor. They can rule out any medical issues that could be the cause. If your doctor determines that you are suffering from anxiety, they may suggest treatment options.
Anxiety can lead to dry mouth due to the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline which are released when you feel nervous or fearful. These hormones can boost the rate of your heart and breathing in order to aid you in battling or running away from a danger. However, they can also cause digestive problems and other physical signs.
It is also possible to experience a feeling of dry mouth if under stress or take medications that decrease saliva production. For instance, SSRIs which are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and stress, can cause dry mouth. These medications inhibit the action of acetylcholine that is a neurotransmitter involved in voluntary movements and bodily functions like salivation, digestion and urination.
If you're experiencing dry mouth, it's vital to drink plenty of water and practice relaxation techniques to ease your anxiety symptoms. If your anxiety is extreme, an expert in mental health may suggest other treatment options, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and prevention of exposure to harmful substances, and complementary health practices like yoga and mediation.
Breathlessness
This sensation of a shortness in breath could be an indication of anxiety whether you experience it when you exercise or at other times throughout the daytime. This symptom may be associated with any type of anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorders. Anxiety can often cause muscle tension, which
what can anxiety cause symptoms lead to a feeling that you are out of breath, especially in the shoulders or back area. These tensions can result in a cycle of depression and anxiety which can further intensify these physical symptoms.
The reason that anxiety can trigger these and other physical responses has to do with the body's fight-orflight response. This reaction is necessary in order to react to danger, but it can cause negative consequences if chronic
anxiety symptoms heart triggers it.
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When you feel anxious and stress, your body is unable to tell that you aren't in danger and that there isn't a real reason to feel this way.