Everybody deals with anxiety on occasion, but it can be challenging to spot when it has gotten out of control. The majority of us are aware that racing thoughts and jittery feelings are indicators of anxiety, but there are a number of other surprising physical symptoms that can also be used to diagnose anxiety. Regardless of how subtly they manifest, they are still a sign that your body is constantly under stress and worry.
According to psychiatrist Dion Metzger, M.D., “I always explain that anxiety is a feeling that can affect people from the head to the toe.”. versus email. All of these physical symptoms have the same cause, which is that they are 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 your anxiety, whether it’s a chronic condition or something you only experience occasionally. You may want to take into account these 11 physical indications that you are experiencing anxiety if you sense something is wrong with your mind or body.
You’re exhausted.
Anxiety may be the cause of your ongoing exhaustion. Dr. Susan Edelman, a psychiatrist, explains via email that fatigue can be a symptom of anxiety. It can be draining to experience anxiety, especially if you’re having trouble falling asleep. People may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having a restless night’s sleep. “.
You’re Allergic.
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. According to Calm Clinic, stress often causes reactions in your organs, and since your skin is your largest organ, it can undoubtedly be impacted. Eczema flare-ups or other skin sensitivities may result from this.
You’re frequently rushing to the restroom.
According to the Calm Clinic, a lot of people who experience anxiety have problems controlling how frequently they urinate. Your body enters a fight-or-flight response when you’re under stress or anxiety, accelerating the necessary bodily responses in your heart, muscles, and lungs. Unfortunately, this disables the ability to control your bladder. Aside from that, tension puts pressure on your bladder and abdomen, which makes you urinate more frequently.
You are unable to concentrate.
Another unexpected sign of anxiety, according to Edelman, is difficulty concentrating.
“It can be challenging 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 have a short fuse.
You might be suffering from anxiety if you notice that you’re getting angry with your friends or snapping at a coworker. Another sign of anxiety, according to Edelman, is irritability. “When you’re stressed out and unwell, you’re not at your best and might be irritable with other people. “.
It’s tense in your muscles.
Anxiety can cause stiff or tense muscles. Dr. Iris Pachler, a psychologist, explains that we can sometimes become so accustomed to holding tension that we are unaware of it. “Progressive muscle relaxation can help you spot this. One muscle group at a time—jaw, neck, shoulders, belly, and back—is tightened and then released to achieve this. “.
You Are Breathing Easily.
According to the Calm Clinic, dizziness and lightheadedness are additional symptoms of anxiety that can come along with shortness of breath. Work on breathing exercises like taking deeper, longer breaths when you notice that you start hyperventilating.
You’re feeling sick.
You may experience physical sickness as a result of anxiety.
According to WebMD, when we are experiencing strong emotions, our bodies can go into overdrive and cause gastrointestinal distress that manifests itself immediately, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachaches.
- Your fingertip tingles.
You might think that the tingling in your fingers is caused by being cold or by a nerve problem, but it could actually be anxiety. According to the Calm Clinic, hyperventilation is the most frequent cause of tingling hands in anxious people, which can feel like anything from numbness to crawling hands.
Having chest pain.
When experiencing sudden chest pain or discomfort, people occasionally mistake it for a heart attack, according to psychiatrist Dr. Celia Trotta. It is simpler to recognize that a young adult’s sudden chest pain could be caused by anxiety if they have no other medical conditions. “.
You’re Gassed.
It’s simple to blame your diet for having too much gat, but anxiety may be to blame. Not only does anxiety stress out your digestive system, but it can also make you breathe too quickly, which can actually make you swallow more air. According to the Calm Clinic, this air eventually needs a place to go, so it is released as gas.
Don’t worry if your symptoms don’t exactly match the definition given in the textbook because everyone experiences anxiety in different ways. It’s beneficial to see a doctor if you feel like you’re suffering so they can provide you with the proper treatment.
