We all occasionally experience some level of anxiety, but it’s not always easy to tell when it’s gotten out of control. The majority of us are aware that anxiousness is accompanied by racing thoughts and jittery feelings, but there are a number of other surprising physical symptoms you may experience. They might be more subtle, but they still serve as a sign that your body is constantly under stress and worry.
Psychiatrist Dion Metzger, M.D, says that he always explains how anxiety is a feeling that can have an impact on a person’s entire body. versus email. “All of these physical symptoms can be explained by the fact that they are the result of the body’s reaction to stress. The body reacts to a perceived threat by going into “stress mode,” as indicated by the signals the brain sends to the body. ”.
Even if they seem unlikely, being aware of these symptoms can help you determine the best way to deal with anxiety, whether it’s a chronic condition or something you only experience occasionally. Consider these 11 physical indications of anxiety if you sense something is wrong with your body or mind.
You’re exhausted.
Anxiety may be to blame if you’re always exhausted. According to psychiatrist Dr. Susan Edelman via email, fatigue can be a sign of anxiety. “Feeling anxious can be draining, especially if you’re having trouble falling asleep. People might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having a restless night’s sleep. ”.
Your Rash Is Visible.
It’s possible that the red spots on your skin are not caused by the cosmetics you’ve been using or even by any irritation at all. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it can undoubtedly be impacted by stress, according to Calm Clinic. Stress has a tendency to cause reactions in your organs. Eczema flare-ups or other skin sensitivities may result from this.
You frequently find yourself rushing to the restroom.
According to the Calm Clinic, a lot of people who experience anxiety have problems with how frequently they urinate. Your body enters a fight-or-flight response when you’re stressed or anxious, accelerating the physiological responses in your heart, muscles, and lungs that you would require. Unfortunately, this disables the ability to control your bladder. Additionally, tension causes your body to put pressure on your bladder and abdomen, which makes you urinate more frequently.
You are unable to concentrate.
Another surprising sign of anxiety, according to Edelman, is having trouble focusing.
“It can be difficult to concentrate and may seem as though your mind is wandering when you’re worrying about your issues or physical symptoms.
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You’re Irritable.
You might be suffering from anxiety if you notice that you’re getting angry with your friends or snapping at a coworker. “Irritability is another anxiety symptom,” says Edelman. “You aren’t at your best and may act irritable around others when you’re stressed out and unwell. ”.
Your muscles are tensed.
Anxiety can cause muscles to become stiff or tense. Dr. Iris Pachler, a psychologist, explains that we can sometimes become so accustomed to holding tension that we are unaware of it. Progressive relaxation of the muscles can be used to spot this.
You Have Shortness Of Breath.
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety, and it can be accompanied by dizziness and lightheadedness, according to the Calm Clinic. When you find that you start hyperventilating, it can help to work on breathing exercises such as taking deeper, longer breaths.
You’re Nauseous.
Anxiety can make you feel physically sick. Intense emotions can sen our body into overdrive, producing immediate gastrointestinal distress, including stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to WebMD.
- Your Fingers Are Tingling.
You may suspect your tingling fingers are from feeling cold or some nerve issue, but they could actually be a result of your anxiety. Hyperventilation is the most common reason that tingling hands occur in those with anxiety, and it can feel like anything from numbness to crawling hands, according to the Calm Clinic.
You Have Chest Pain.
“Sometimes people may think they are having a heart attack because they feel sudden chest pain or discomfort,” says psychiatrist Dr. Celia Trotta over email. “In a young adult with sudden chest pain and no other medical conditions, it is easier to identify that the chest pain may be from anxiety. ”.
You Have Gas.
It’s easy to blame your diet for excess gat, but anxiety may actually be the culprit. Not only does anxiety cause stress on your gastrointestinal system, but it can actually cause you to swallow more air from breathing too quickly. This air then needs somewhere to go, so it’s released in the form of gas, according to the Calm Clinic.
Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways, so don’t be alarmed if your symptoms don’t match the textbook definition. If you feel like you’re suffering, it’s helpful to see a doctor, who can help you with the right form of treatment. This is done by tightening and then releasing one muscle group at a time — jaw, neck, shoulders, belly, back. ”.
