Anxiety Symptoms Physical: A Simple Definition
Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?
Many people are aware that anxiety is characterized as worry and fear. But the physical sensations of anxiety can be more alarming - and may even be similar to the symptoms of a heart attack.
Get help if you are experiencing physical symptoms and anxieties interfere with your daily routine. Your doctor is likely to conduct tests to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms.
Pressure or pain in the chest.
The chest pain can be a sign of anxiety and it can be a frightening experience when it first starts to occur. Some people worry that they're suffering from a heart attack when they feel chest pressure, but it's more likely that the symptoms are a result of anxiety rather or something more serious.
When someone feels anxious, the brain and body immediately trigger the stress response. This can be a physical response like sweating, nausea, and a shortness of breathe. It could also be accompanied by tight muscles, tingling hands and feet. This is the fight or flight response and is designed to help anyone in a potentially dangerous situation.
Anxiety-related chest pain can be described as a stabbing or sharp ache in the middle of the chest. The pain is usually accompanied by a sense of heaviness, or crushing pressure. It usually subsides within a matter of minutes. Anxiety can cause discomfort in the arms, shoulders or jaw.
A heartbeat that is rapid can be another frequent symptom. It may feel like the heart is racing or sputtering beats. This is an indication of the heart working harder to bring more oxygen into the bloodstream.
It is important to consult a doctor if you have chest pain or other signs of anxiety. They can diagnose the problem and rule out heart problems such as coronary artery disease. If the doctor determines that anxiety is the reason, he may prescribe psychotherapy or medication in order to manage the symptoms.
Tingling or Numbness in the Arms or Legs
It can be extremely unsettling to feel numbness or tingling in your legs or arms. It could be a sensation that comes and goes, or a feeling that is experienced on a regular basis. The feeling of numbness is usually coupled with other symptoms of anxiety such as headaches, sweating or a shortness of breath. It could be a single indication of excessive or chronic anxiety.
Tingling in the hands or feet can be an indication that you are stressed. These sensations could be a result of a reaction to fight or flight. If you're scared, the body prepares for action by increasing blood flow to muscles and other organs and decreasing it in areas that aren't vital in the event of a fight or flight. The redirected flow of blood can cause numbness to the extremities.
While it's important to realize that not every tingling or feeling of numbness is due to anxiety, it's equally important to recognize that the symptoms could be caused by other medical conditions such as nerve damage, diabetes or an infection. The best way to determine if there is an underlying problem is to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
When you are able to manage your stress the anxiety will reduce, and this can eliminate anxiety-induced numbness in the extremities. Try relaxation techniques, self-care strategies, or speak to a trusted individual about your worries. If www.iampsychiatry.com experiencing anxiety, consider joining an anxiety support group. Many people find that having a person to talk to can ease the stress. You can find many anxiety-reducing techniques online like yoga and meditation. Alternatively, you can ask your GP for advice or refer you to counselling services.
Weakness or Fainting
An anxious person may be prone to fainting or weakness due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain and muscles. This can be a terrifying experience, since it could appear as if something is going on. Inform your doctor if feel weak or faint so they can determine whether there's a root health issue. This includes testing for thyroid blood pressure, heart rate and other medical conditions.
It's crucial to discuss your anxiety symptoms with your doctor and how they affect your daily life. Your doctor can help you determine what's causing anxiety and offer solutions. They'll begin by conducting a physical exam and will also inquire about your medical history and any medications you're taking (including over-the-counter, herbal remedies and recreational drugs).
Certain people develop anxiety disorders due to trauma or stress in their lives. Certain individuals have a genetic tendency to develop anxiety disorders, while others take medications that can trigger them. The cause of an anxiety disorder isn't understood, but it's likely that the brain releases stress hormones when a person feels anxious or stressed and they can have long-term consequences on the body.
People suffering from anxiety often are unable to connect with family and friends, avoid certain activities or places, and spend hours seeking assurance to ease their anxiety. This can lead social depression and isolation. Treatment for mental health can help people learn to stop anxious behaviors accept bodily sensations, and manage worrying thoughts. Some types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy are particularly beneficial for people suffering from anxiety related to health.
Tense or Braced Muscles
For the majority of people, anxiety-induced muscle tension is a temporary sensation that fades after the stressful experience has ended. For some, however, anxiety-induced muscle tightness can be chronic, lasting for days or even weeks. This can cause stiffness and pain in the shoulders, backs and chests, as well as faces, necks and stomachs as well as other parts of the body.
Stress triggers a series physical reactions to prepare your body for fight or flight. This is a result of an increase in blood flow to muscles, which means they can react quickly, and muscle tension. This is generally an excellent thing as it helps you get away from danger or deal with an emergency situation. But, if your body is on high alert at all times and you suffer with chronic anxiety, these signs can become long-term problems.
Hyperstimulation is among the most frequently cited causes. This happens when your body's survival instinct gets activated repeatedly. This could cause your body to become stuck in the fight-or-flight response, causing anxiety-induced symptoms like a pounding pulse, dizziness or jitteriness.
Support and encouragement can help someone who is experiencing these symptoms often break the cycle. You can also distract them by asking them to do something like go through an album of photos or clean the house, as this can often distract them from their anxiety. Another option is to urge them to visit a doctor or a mental health professional to get an evaluation. This could include an examination for medical or laboratory tests to rule out other health concerns.
Dry Mouth
When you feel stressed, your body's fight or flight response activates. This causes a surge of adrenaline, and other hormones to be released into your bloodstream. It also increases the rate of your pulse and breathing to allow more oxygen to reach your brain. These effects can prepare you for a crisis however, they can also make you feel exhausted and uncomfortable.
You may also notice that you have dry mouth when you are anxious. The dry mouth could appear to be dehydrated however this is typically not the situation. Dry mouth is the result of hyperarousal within your nervous system, which can also cause an increase in the production of acid in your stomach.
When you are anxious you will often breathe through your nose, rather than through your mouth. This can result in excessive swallowing that dry out the throat. This is also a side effect of many anxiety medications, including antidepressants.
Try chewing sugarless gum or drinking water to boost salivation if you suffer from a dry mouth. Consult your doctor if taking a medication that causes dry mouth.
If you experience a dry mouth, and it isn't getting better by taking medication, try relaxation techniques or therapy. This can aid in managing your anxiety. It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety-related symptoms when they begin to appear, so that you do not allow the condition to worsen. Find a therapist online at BetterHelp which is home to more than 20,000 licensed therapists offering convenient and affordable online therapy. Begin your free online assessment and be matched with a therapist who is suitable for you. This article first appeared on Anxiety UK.