Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?

Many people are aware that worry and fear are signs of anxiety. However, the physical symptoms of anxiety can be more alarming, and can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.

If your physical and mental symptoms interfere with daily life you should seek help before they get any worse. Your doctor is likely to run tests to rule out a medical cause for your symptoms.

Pressure or Pain in the Chest

Pain in the chest can be an anxiety symptom, and it can be a frightening experience when it first occurs. Some people fear they're having a heart attack when they feel this chest pressure, however it's more likely that the symptoms are caused by anxiety as opposed to something more serious.

When someone feels anxious then the body and brain immediately send out a stress response. This can cause physiological changes and physical reactions, like nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, tension in the muscles, tingling in the feet or hands and chest pain. This is called the fight-or-flight response, and is designed to aid a person in a dangerous situation.

Anxiety-related chest pain can feel like a stab or sharp ache in the middle of the chest. The pain is usually followed by a feeling of weight or pressure. It usually goes away within a matter of minutes. Patients with anxiety may also feel this discomfort in their arms, shoulders or jaws.

A rapid heartbeat can be another typical indication. It could feel like the heart is racing or sputtering beats. This is a sign that the heart is working harder to get oxygen into the bloodstream which can cause chest pain.

If you're experiencing chest discomfort or other signs of anxiety it is essential to see a doctor. They can determine the cause and rule out heart-related issues such as coronary artery disease. If the doctor concludes that anxiety is the primary cause, he may prescribe medication or psychotherapy to treat the symptoms.

Numbness or Tingling in the Legs or Arms

It can be extremely unsettling to feel numbness or tingling in your legs or arms. It can happen and disappear and it could be a common occurrence that is present on a daily basis. It is frequently accompanied by other anxiety symptoms like sweating, headaches or a shortness of breath. It could also be an isolated symptom of stress that is chronic or excessive, or it might occur on its own.

Tingling in your feet or hands can be a sign that you are anxious. These sensations may be the 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 vital in the event of a fight or flight. The redirected blood flow could lead to numbness in the extremities.

While it's important to know that not every tingling or feeling of numbness is due to anxiety however, it's equally important recognize that the symptoms could be caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage, or an infection. To rule out a underlying issue, make an appointment with a doctor.

If you are able to manage your stress the anxiety will reduce, and this can reduce numbness caused by anxiety in the extremities. Try relaxation techniques, self care strategies, or talk to a trusted friend about your worries. Consider joining an anxiety support group in case your anxiety persists. Many people find that talking with people can help them deal with their anxiety. You can also find various anxiety-fighting strategies online, such as yoga and meditation. You can also consult your GP to give you advice or refer you for counseling services.

Fainting or weakness

Anxiety can cause a person to feel weak or weak due to a decrease in blood flow to their brain and muscles. This can be a scary experience, as it could make you feel like there's something wrong in your body. It is essential to inform your doctor about any fainting or weakness you experience so that they can look for an unrelated health issue. This includes checking for thyroid blood pressure, heart rate and other medical conditions.

It is important to discuss your anxiety-related symptoms with your doctor and how they impact your daily life. Your doctor will help you identify what's causing anxiety and offer solutions. They'll start with a physical exam, and they'll also ask about your medical history and any medications you're taking (including over-the-counter, herbal remedies and recreational drugs).

Certain people suffer from anxiety disorders due to a traumatic event or stress in their lives. Others have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety attack symptoms disorders, and some individuals take certain medications that can trigger an anxiety disorder. The cause of an anxiety disorder isn't identified, but it is likely that the brain releases stress hormones when someone is stressed or anxious and they can have long-term consequences on the body.

People with anxiety often cut off from family and friends, avoid certain places or activities and spend a lot of time seeking assurance to ease their anxiety. This can lead social isolation and depression. The treatment for mental health can help people reduce their anxiety accept bodily sensations, and manage worrisome thoughts. Some types of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy are particularly beneficial for people suffering from anxiety related to health.

Muscles are tense or braced

For the majority of people, muscle tension from anxiety is a temporary experience that fades after the stressful situation is over. Certain people, however, experience moderate anxiety symptoms-induced muscle tension that can last for weeks or days. This can result in 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 variety of physical reactions to prepare your body to fight or flee. This includes an increase in blood circulation to the muscles, so they can react quickly, and also muscle tension. This reaction is usually a good thing, as it helps you get away from danger or handle an emergency situation. However, when your body is on high alert all the time like it is with chronic anxiety, these symptoms can develop into long-term problems.

One of the most frequently cited reasons for this is hyperstimulation, which happens when your body's natural survival instinct is triggered repeatedly. This can cause your body get stuck in the fight or flight response, triggering anxiety-related symptoms like a rapid pulse, dizziness or nervousness.

If you know someone who experiences these kinds of symptoms, try to help them break out of the cycle by offering encouragement and assistance. You could also distract them by asking them to go through a photo album or clean the house and this will often take their focus off of the anxiety. Another option is to convince them to visit a doctor or a mental health professional to get an evaluation. This could involve an exam for medical reasons or lab tests to rule out any other health issues.

Dry Mouth

When you feel anxious the body's fight or flight response activates. This causes a surge in adrenaline and other hormones, to get into your bloodstream. This also increases your breathing and pulse rate to allow more oxygen to reach your brain. These effects can help prepare you for a crisis, but also leave you feeling uneasy and tired.

It is also possible to experience dry mouth when you are stressed. The dry mouth could appear to be dehydrated but that is generally not the case. Dry mouth is a result of hyperarousal in your nervous system, which could also cause an increase in the production of stomach acid.

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

Try chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water to increase salivation If you suffer from dry mouth. Talk to your doctor if you're taking medications that cause dry mouth.

If you experience dry mouth that does not go away with medication, you may want to try relaxation techniques or therapy to manage your anxiety. You should seek treatment immediately if you notice anxiety symptoms men symptoms, to avoid the condition worsening. You can find a therapist on BetterHelp which is home to more than 20,000 licensed therapists offering an affordable and convenient online therapy. Start your online assessment to be matched with a therapist who is right for you. This article was originally posted on Anxiety UK.