When it comes to anxiety, we all know that it doesn’t just affect your thoughts, it impacts your entire body. It is important to become aware of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety tends to trigger physical reactions and understanding how our body reacts to these triggers is essential to recognize and manage these symptoms. Anxiety is a natural response to stress but can become a mental health disorder when it is persistent and interferes with daily life.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How does anxiety affect the Nervous System?
Often times we are able to calm our thoughts but not our bodies. Why? As part of our nervous system, we have the “fight or flight” response. Controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, this complex mechanism is in charge of preparing our body to respond to a perceived threat. While it serves a purpose, our survival, when anxiety strikes, it can leave us in a constant state of “fight or flight”. This process happens within our automatic nervous system.
When our “flight or flight” system is activated, we experience physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, dry mouth and an increase in adrenaline and cortisol levels. On occasions, these bodily process help us overcome threats. For example, if you see a lion walk in front of you, your “fight or flight” system will be activated and it will prompt you to respond appropriately to this threat. It is helpful for our survival. The problem lies when our body perceives common things as threat, which is what we cal anxiety.
What are the most common physical symptoms of Anxiety?
While anxiety may look different from person to person, some of the most common symptoms of anxiety are rapid heart beat, dizziness, shortness of breath and digestive issues. Some of the lesser known symptoms are numbness and chills. It is important to seek a physical evaluation to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing these symptoms. These could also be stress related.
Why do these physical symptoms occur?
As we have learned, the body has a biological response to perceived threats. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline alert our brains to engage in the fight or flight response. When we experience anxiety, our body is doing its normal biological functions built within us for survival. It is preparing us for the worst case scenario we could encounter so we may respond accordingly. Anxiety become problematic, however, when our brain consistently tells us that we should be in survival mode.
How can you manage physical symptoms of anxiety?
Managing the physical symptoms can be done in a practical manner. Strategies, such as deep breathing, grounding techniques and regular exercise can remind our body that we are not being threatened in this present moment. These practical skills must be practiced regular in order to be effective. They may not work as quick as other interventions, such as taking psychotropic medications but can offer a natural way to cope. If you have tried these strategies but your symptoms persist, it is important to seek a medical evaluation.
Anxiety not only affects our emotional state but our physical state as well. If your symptoms are disrupting your daily life, anxiety counseling could be a great strategy to help you overcome. It is important to connect with a mental health provider who can guide you in developing the coping skills you need to get your anxiety under control.
Note: While I am a mental health professional, this information is not a substitute for a formal evaluation. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out at (407) 906-5214 to schedule an appointment for tailored support.
Mental health is a complex and highly individualized matter, and what works for one person may not work for another. The best course of action for anyone dealing with mental health concerns is to schedule an appointment with us for a personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options. Please remember that seeking help from a licensed mental health expert is a vital step in addressing mental health challenges.
If you’re in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.