Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?

Most people are aware that anxiety is characterized by worries and fear. However, the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression symptoms of anxiety are more alarming - and may even mimic the symptoms of heart attacks.

Get help if your physical symptoms or worries are interfering with your daily life. Your doctor is likely to conduct tests to rule out medical causes for your symptoms.

Pressure or pain in the chest

The pain in the chest could be an anxiety symptom, and it can be scary when it first starts to occur. Some people are afraid of experiencing a heart attack when they feel pressure in their chest. However, it's more likely that the symptoms are caused more by anxiety than anything else more serious.

When a person feels anxiety in their body, the brain and body immediately send out a stress response. This can cause physiological changes and physical reaction, such as sweating, nausea and shortness of breath, tense muscles, tingling in the hands or feet and chest pain. This is the fight-or flight response and it's meant to help someone in a dangerous situation.

The pain in the chest due to anxiety can feel like an intense or stabbing sensation that is centered in the chest. The pain is usually coupled with a feeling of weight or pressure. It usually subsides within a few minutes. Patients with anxiety may also feel pain in their shoulders, arms or jaws.

A rapid heartbeat is another common indication. It could feel as if the heart is racing or having a few beats. This indicates that the heart is working harder to get oxygen into the bloodstream which can cause chest pain.

If you are experiencing chest pain or other symptoms of anxiety, it's important to consult a doctor. They can determine the cause and rule out heart issues such as coronary artery disease. If they find anxiety as the reason and stress, a doctor might recommend medication or psychotherapy to help alleviate the symptoms and then eliminate them in time.

Tingling or Numbness in the Legs or Arms

The feeling of being numb in your arms or legs can be an anxious symptom. It could be a temporary occurrence and it could be a common occurrence that is present on a daily basis. The feeling of numbness is usually accompanied by other anxiety symptoms such as headaches, sweating or breath shortness. It could be an isolated manifestation or a sign of chronic or excessive anxiety.

Tingling in the feet or hands can be an indication that you are feeling anxious. These stress/anxiety symptoms could be a result of the fight-or flight response. When you are frightened the body prepares for actions by increasing blood flow to muscles and other organs, and reducing it in areas that aren't crucial in a fight or flight situation. The redirected blood flow may lead to numbness in the extremities.

It is important to realize that not all tingling and numbness are caused by anxiety. The symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, including diabetes, nerve damage, or an infection. To rule out a root problem, you should make an appointment with a doctor.

If you are able to control your worries, your anxiety will also reduce, and this can eliminate anxiety-induced numbness in the extremities. Try relaxation techniques, self care strategies, or talk to a trusted friend about your worries. If you are still struggling with anxiety, consider joining a support group for anxiety symptoms dizzy. Many people find that having someone to talk with helps ease the pressure. There are various anxiety-relieving strategies on the internet, including meditation and yoga. You can also ask your GP to provide you with advice or refer you to counseling services.

Fainting or weakness

A person with anxiety may feel weak or faint due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain and muscles. This can be a frightening feeling as it can make you feel as if there is something wrong with you. Inform your doctor if feel weak or faint so they can check whether there's a root health issue. This includes monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, thyroid and other medical conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms.

If you suspect you suffer from anxiety, it's crucial to discuss with your doctor the symptoms and how they impact your life. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your constant anxiety symptoms and recommend solutions. They'll begin with a physical examination, and they'll ask 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 an event that was traumatizing or stressful in their life. Others are predisposed to develop anxiety disorders, and some individuals use certain medications that could cause anxiety disorders. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders, but the brain may release stress hormones in response to anxiety or stress. These hormones can have long-term negative health effects.

People who suffer from anxiety tend to withdraw from their family and friends, avoid certain activities and places and devote a lot of time trying to find comfort. This can lead social depression and isolation. The treatment for mental health helps individuals stop worrying and accept body sensations, as well as manage worrying thoughts. Some types of therapy, such as cognitive-Behavioral Symptoms Of Anxiety therapy, are particularly beneficial for people suffering from anxiety related to health.

Braced or Tense Muscles

For most people, anxiety-induced muscle tension is a short-term sensation that fades after the stressful event has passed. For certain, however, anxiety-related muscle tightness can be chronic and can last for a few days or even weeks. This can cause discomfort, stiffness and aches in the shoulders, back and neck, chest, face or stomach, in addition to other areas of the body.

Stress triggers a series of physical reactions to prepare your body for fight or flight. This includes an increase in blood circulation to muscles, which means they can respond quickly, and muscle tension. This can be a good thing, as it can help you stay away from danger or handle an emergency situation. If your body is always on high alert, as is the case with chronic anxiety, it can cause long-term problems.

Hyperstimulation is among the most frequently cited causes. This occurs when your body's survival instinct gets triggered repeatedly. This can cause your body become stuck in the fight-or flight response, causing anxiety-induced symptoms such as a pounding pulse, dizziness or jitteriness.

Encouragement and support can help someone experiencing these symptoms often stop the cycle. You could distract them by asking them to go through an album of photos or wash the dishes, as this can often distract them from the anxiety. Another option is to urge them to visit a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation. This could involve a medical exam or lab tests to rule out any other health concerns.

Dry Mouth

When you experience anxiety your body's fight or flight stress response comes into play. This releases a surge of adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream, increasing your pulse rate and breathing so that you get more oxygen reaching your brain. These effects can prepare you for an urgent situation, but also make you feel tired and uncomfortable.

It is also possible to experience dry mouth if you are anxious. It could feel like you are dehydrated but this is not true. Dry mouth is caused by hyperarousal of your nervous system, which can also cause your stomach to produce more acid.

If you are stressed, you tend to breathe through your nose rather than through your mouth. This can cause excessive swallowing, which dries out the throat anxiety symptoms. This is also a side effect of many anxiety medications, including antidepressants.

If you have a dry mouth, try drinking water or chewing sugar-free gums to stimulate saliva production. If you take medication that causes dry mouth, speak to your doctor about switching to a different medication.

If you experience dry mouth that does not disappear with medication, you may want to try relaxation methods or therapy to manage your anxiety. You should seek treatment when you begin to notice anxiety symptoms, to avoid the condition getting worse. You can find a therapist on BetterHelp that has more than 20,000 licensed therapists who provide an affordable and convenient online therapy. Start your free online assessment to match you with the most suitable therapist. This article originally appeared on Anxiety UK.