Are Anxiety Symptoms Physical?

Most people know that fear and worry are signs of anxiety. However, the physical symptoms of anxiety can be more alarming - and may even be similar to the symptoms of heart attacks.

Get help if your physical symptoms and worries are affecting your daily routine. Your doctor may conduct tests to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms.

Pressure or Pain in the chest

The pain in the chest could be an anxiety symptom, and it can be frightening when it first occurs. Some people are afraid they're experiencing heart attacks when they experience this chest pain, but it is more likely the symptoms are a result of anxiety rather as opposed to something more serious.

When a person feels anxiety in their body, the brain and body immediately send out an immediate stress response. This can cause physiological symptoms of anxiety changes and physical reactions, like nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, tight muscles, tingling sensations in the hands or feet and chest pain. This is known as the fight or flight response, and is designed to assist those in a risky situation.

The chest pain caused by anxiety can feel like a sharp or stabbing feeling that's centered in the chest. The pain is usually coupled with a feeling of heavyness or pressure. It usually subsides within a matter of minutes. Anxiety can cause discomfort in the arms, shoulders or jaw.

Another common symptom of anxiety is a change in heart rate, which can result in a fast heartbeat that feels like the heart is racing or is racing. This is a sign the heart is working harder to bring oxygen into the bloodstream which can cause chest pain.

It is essential to consult your doctor if you are experiencing chest pains or other symptoms of anxiety. They can diagnose the problem and rule out heart issues, such as coronary arterial disease. If the doctor is of the opinion that anxiety is the cause, he may prescribe medication or psychotherapy to alleviate the symptoms.

Numbness or tingling in the Arms and Legs

It can be extremely unsettling to experience numbness in your legs or arms. It can be a feeling that is temporary, or a feeling that is experienced on a regular basis. Numbness is often accompanied by other anxiety symptoms such as headaches, sweating or a shortness of breath. It can also be a symptom that is a part of chronic or excessive stress, or it might be a standalone symptom.

Tingling sensations in the feet and hands could be a sign of stress. These sensations may be the result of the fight or flight response. When you are frightened your body prepares itself for action by increasing blood flow to muscles and important organs, while reducing it in areas that aren't vital in a fight or flight situation. This redirected flow of blood can cause 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 be aware that the symptom could be caused by other medical issues, such as nerve damage, diabetes or an infection. The best way to determine if there is an underlying problem is to schedule an appointment with your physician.

When you are able to manage your anxiety, your anxiety will also decrease, which can eliminate anxiety-induced numbness in the extremities. Try relaxation techniques, self-care strategies or speak to a trusted ally about your concerns. Consider joining an anxiety support group If your worries continue to bother you. Many people find that having someone to talk to helps ease the pressure. There are a variety of anxiety coping strategies online, such as yoga and meditation. You can also ask your GP to give you advice or refer you to counseling services.

Weakness or Fainting

An anxious person may feel weak or faint due to a lack of blood flow to the muscles and the brain. It can be a terrifying experience, since it could appear as if something is going on. It's important to tell your doctor about any weakness or fainting you experience so they can check for an unrelated health issue. This includes monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate, thyroid and other medical issues which could be causing the symptoms.

It's important to discuss your anxiety symptoms with your doctor and how they affect your daily life. Your doctor will help you determine the cause of your anxiety and recommend solutions. They'll begin by conducting a physical symptoms of anxiety and stress exam. They will inquire about your medical history, including any over-the-counter or herbal medication, as well as recreational drugs and other medicines.

Some people develop anxiety disorders as a result of an event that was traumatizing or stressful in their life. Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety disorders while others take medications that can trigger them. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders but the brain could release stress hormones in response to a person's anxiety or stress. These hormones can cause long-term negative health effects.

Anxiety-ridden people tend to keep a distance from family and friends avoid certain places and activities, and spend much time trying to find reassurance. This can lead social anxiety and depression. Treatment for mental health can help people stop anxious behaviors and accept body sensations, as well as manage thoughts of worry. Some types of therapy are particularly effective for reducing health anxiety, such as cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders.

Braced or Tense Muscles

For most people, anxiety muscle tension is a temporary occurrence that fades after the stressful situation passes. Certain people, however, have muscle tension caused by anxiety that lasts for weeks or even days. This can result in stiffness, aches and pains in the shoulders, back, neck, chest or stomach, as well as other areas of the body.

When your body experiences stress it triggers various physical reactions to prepare the body for fight or flight. These include an increase in blood flow to the muscles, allowing them to react quickly, in addition to muscle tension. This is a normal response that allows you to escape danger and handle emergency situations. If your body is always on high alert, as is often the case with chronic anxiety, this can result in long-term health issues.

One of the most frequently cited causes is hyperstimulation. This happens when your body's natural survival instinct is triggered repeatedly. This can result in your body becoming stuck in the fight or flight response, which causes you to experience anxiety-related symptoms like a pounding heartbeat tension in your muscles, dizziness, or nervousness.

Encouragement and support can help someone who experiences these symptoms frequently stop the cycle. You can also distract your friend by asking him to look at a picture album or wash his clothes. This will help to take his mind off his anxious feelings. Another option is to convince them to see a doctor or mental health professional for assessment. This could include an examination for medical reasons or lab tests to eliminate any other health issues.

Dry Mouth

If you are feeling anxious, your body's fight or flight response kicks in. This releases a burst of adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream, thereby increasing your heart rate and breathing to ensure that more oxygen to get to your brain. These effects can prepare you for an emergency, but they can also leave you feeling uncomfortable and drained.

It is also possible to experience dry mouth if you are anxious. The dry mouth could feel like you are dehydrated, but this is usually not the case. The dry mouth is caused by your nervous system's hyperarousal. This can also cause your stomach to produce more acid.

Additionally when you are stressed you may breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. This can cause excessive swallowing, which dries out the throat. This is a possible side-effect of many anxiety medications such as antidepressants.

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

If you have a dry mouth that doesn't go away with medications, try relaxing methods or therapy to manage your anxiety. You should seek treatment as soon as you notice anxiety symptoms, to prevent the condition from getting worse. You can find a therapist online at BetterHelp that has more than 20,000 licensed therapists providing an affordable and convenient online therapy. Begin your free online assessment to be assigned to a therapist who is the right fit for you. This article originally appeared on Anxiety UK.