Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?

Many people are aware that anxiety is characterized by worries and anxiety. The physical symptoms of general anxiety symptoms are more alarming, and they can even be similar to heart attacks.

Get help if your physical symptoms and anxieties interfere with your daily life. Your doctor will likely perform tests to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms.

Pressure or Pain in the Chest

Anxiety symptoms of anxiety attack can include chest pain, which is initially frightening. Some people are afraid they're having heart attacks when they feel chest pressure, however it's more likely that the symptoms are a result of anxiety rather than something more serious.

If someone experiences anxiety the body and brain emit an immediate stress response. This can cause physiological changes and physical reactions, like nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, tense muscles, tingling in the hands or feet and chest pain. This is a fight-or-flight response and is designed to assist those in danger.

The pain in the chest due to anxiety can feel like a sharp or stabbing feeling that is centered in the chest. The pain is usually coupled with a feeling of heaviness, or crushing pressure. It typically subsides within minutes. Anxiety can cause pain in the shoulders, arms or jaw.

Another common symptom of anxiety is changes in heart rate, which may cause a heartbeat to be rapid which feels like the heart is sloshing or rushing. This is a sign of the heart working harder to pump more oxygen into the bloodstream.

It is important to consult your doctor if you are experiencing chest pains or other anxiety symptoms. They can identify the issue and rule out heart-related issues like coronary arterial disease. If the doctor is of the opinion that anxiety is the primary cause and he prescribes medications or psychotherapy to treat the symptoms.

Numbness or Tingling of the Arms and Legs

The sensation of numbness in the arms and legs can be a very uncomfortable anxiety symptoms. It may be a feeling that fades and comes back, or a feeling that is experienced on a regular basis. The feeling of numbness may be a result of other symptoms of anxiety, such as a sweating, headache, or shortness of breath. It could also be a symptom that is a part of stress that is excessive or chronic, or it might be a standalone symptom.

Tingling in the feet or hands can be a sign that you are feeling anxious. These symptoms could be the result of the fight or flight response. When you're afraid, your body prepares to act by increasing blood flow in the vital organs and muscles while reducing it in other parts of the body. The redirected flow of blood can cause numbness to the extremities.

While it's important to realize that not every tingling or numbness is caused by anxiety however, it's equally important be aware that the symptom could be caused by other medical issues like diabetes, nerve damage, or an infection. To rule out an underlying issue, you should schedule an appointment with your physician.

When you are able to manage your anxiety breathing symptoms and worry, your anxiety will diminish, and this will reduce numbness caused by anxiety in the extremities. Try relaxation techniques, self-care strategies, or talk to a trusted person about your worries. If you are still struggling with anxiety, consider joining a support group for anxiety. Many people find that having someone to talk with can help ease the stress. There are various anxiety symptoms at work-relieving strategies online, such as yoga and meditation. You can also ask your GP to give you advice or refer you for counselling services.

Weakness or Fainting

A person with anxiety may be prone to fainting or weakness because of a lack of blood flow to the muscles and brain. This can be a scary experience as it can make you feel like there is something wrong with you. Inform your doctor if you feel weak or faint, so they can determine whether there's a root health issue. This includes checking your blood pressure and heart rate, thyroid and other medical issues that could be causing the symptoms.

If you suspect you suffer from anxiety, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about the signs and how they impact your life. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of anxiety and suggest treatments. They'll begin with a physical exam, and will also inquire about your medical history as well as any medications you're taking (including herbal remedies, over-the counter medications and recreational drugs).

There are people who develop anxiety disorders due to a traumatic event or stress in their lives. Some have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety disorders, and some people use certain medications that could trigger an anxiety disorder. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders however, the brain can release stress hormones in response to a person's anxiety or stress. These hormones can cause long-term negative health effects.

People who suffer from anxiety tend to withdraw from friends and family, avoid certain activities or places, and spend a lot of time seeking assurance to ease their anxiety. This can lead to social isolation and depression. The treatment for mental health can help people learn to stop their anxious behavior accept bodily sensations, and manage worrying thoughts. Some types of therapy are particularly effective for reducing health anxiety, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders.

Tense or Braced Muscles

For the majority of people, tension in the muscles of anxiety is a temporary experience that goes away once the stressful event is over. For certain, however, anxiety-related muscle tension is persistent and can last for weeks or even days. This can result in stiffness, pains and aches in the shoulders, back neck, chest, face, or stomach, and other areas of the body.

Stress triggers a series of physical reactions to prepare your body for fight or flight. These include an increase in blood flow to muscles to allow them to respond quickly, in addition to muscle tension. This is a normal reaction that helps you to escape danger and handle emergencies. If your body is always on alert, which is the case with chronic anxiety, this could cause long-term problems.

Hyperstimulation is one of the most frequently cited causes. This occurs when your body's survival instinct gets activated repeatedly. This can lead to your body becoming stuck in the fight or flight response, which causes anxiety-related symptoms like a heartbeat that is pounding, dizziness, tight muscles or jitteriness.

If you know someone who regularly experiences these kinds of symptoms, try to help them break out of the cycle by offering encouragement and assistance. You can also distract them by asking them to do something like look at an album of photos or do the laundry, as this can often help them focus on their anxiety. Another option is to urge them to see a doctor or a mental health professional to get an assessment. This could involve medical examinations or lab tests to determine if there are any other health issues.

Dry Mouth

When you feel anxiety the body's fight-or-flight response kicks into action. This releases a burst of adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream. This increases your pulse rate and breathing to ensure that you get more oxygen to get to your brain. These effects can prepare you for an emergency situation however, they may make you feel uneasy and exhausted.

You may also notice that you have a dry mouth when you are anxious. It might feel as if you're dehydrated, however this is not true. Dry mouth is the result of hyperarousal within your nervous system, which could also boost the production of stomach acid.

When you are anxious you will often breathe through your nose, rather than through your mouth. This can cause excessive swallowing which dries the throat. This is also an effect of some anxiety medications, such as antidepressants.

If you suffer from dry mouth, try sipping water or chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production. Consult your doctor if taking a medication that causes dryness in the mouth.

If you suffer from dry mouth that does not disappear with medications, try relaxing techniques or therapy to manage your anxiety. You should seek treatment immediately if you notice anxiety symptoms, to prevent the condition from getting worse. Find a therapist on BetterHelp, which has more than 20,000 licensed therapists offering convenient and affordable online therapy. Begin your free online assessment and be placed with a therapist that is suitable for you. This article originally appeared on Anxiety UK.