What Are the Weird Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety can show up in a variety of ways and isn't always the same from person to person. Any physical sensation that does not seem to be caused by something obvious could be anxiety.

When you're stressed your body releases stress hormones, which can trigger all kinds of strange symptoms. Here are some of those bizarre physical symptoms.

1. Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations are sensations of a pounding or racing heart that you can feel in your throat, chest, or neck. They can cause your heart to feel as if it's racing or fluttering. They typically last for only a few minutes or seconds. Heart palpitations are usually not indicative of an issue with your heart unless they occur in times of exercise or stress. They may be a side effect of certain medications, especially those which treat arrhythmias or high blood pressure.

It's normal to be anxious or nervous before a big presentation or a test, and it's also natural to worry when someone close to you is sick. If you experience anxiety or dread all the time, and it interferes with your everyday life, you could be suffering from anxiety disorder.

Anxiety triggers the release hormones in the body that help us prepare to fight or run. These hormones can cause us to feel jittery, lightheaded, sweaty or dizzy and cause our hearts to race. While anxiety is normal at times, those suffering from a generalized disorder can experience these symptoms nearly every day for at least a month.

It's possible to reduce heart palpitations that are caused by situational anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques and taking medication. You should consult your doctor when the palpitations aren't caused by any obvious triggers or there is concern about an abnormal heartbeat. Your doctor may recommend electrocardiograms (ECGs) to determine the root of your heart palpitations. They might prescribe beta blockers to control your heart rhythm and rate.

2. Breathing shortness

If you're feeling exhausted or sighing, or if you feel an uncomfortable chest, it could be a sign that your body is kicking into panic mode. Zoe says that anxiety triggers your body to prepare itself to fight or flight. This includes increasing your heart rate and breathing rate so that you can get more blood flowing to your muscles and tendons, etc.

This can lead to feeling out of breath or having difficulty breathing, especially if you're nervous, which is why many people suffering from anxiety find themselves experiencing this symptoms. It could also be a symptom of an attack of panic. A panic attack is an sudden, intense feeling of fear and terror that can get to its peak within a matter of minutes.

Chest pain can also be a sign that you have a heart problem. Always consult a doctor if you experience it. However, if your symptoms are triggered by anxiety, it's likely they will diminish when the anxiety-inducing situation has passed.

Tinnitus is another strange physical manifestation of anxiety. According to the NHS it is a common symptom of anxiety disorders. It can also happen when your sympathetic system is activated.

You might also feel dry mouth, or feel as if you're unable to swallow when you're anxious. This is because your body pumps fluids to your major muscle groups to aid you in your fight and run. This can make your mouth dry and stale, which can cause bad breath. This symptom can also be helped by getting enough rest and drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly.

3. Sweating

When it comes to anxiety, it's hard to pinpoint the exact location of symptoms. Certain symptoms are psychological symptoms of anxiety such as a feeling of unease or nervousness, while others are physical such as breathing problems and a racing pulse. There are signs that can be both mental and physical like ringing in the chest or ear.

If you're experiencing a weird feeling, it's important to first determine if anxiety might be the reason. Anxiety can be a sign of other health conditions such as headaches. It's important to rule them out before jumping to conclusions.

According to the NIMH, your body's response to anxiety is often controlled by the nervous system. The nervous system controls involuntary functions like breathing and heartbeat. This response is caused by worry or fear and sends signals to the adrenal glands which cause them to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This is a normal, evolutionary mechanism that was developed to safeguard us from life-threatening or dangerous situations.

But, if your brain is constantly ruminating over irrational fears or worries about future failure, embarrassment or illness or loss the hormones may get out of hand and trigger anxiety symptoms. This can include sweating which can result in pits and palms that are wet or coated with a sticky substance and bad smells.

There are ways to handle these odd physical symptoms. The trick is to keep your mind off on something else. Dr. Barsky says that this can break the cycle and stop the spiral. Try taking a few deep breaths, doing something that calms you (like reading or listening to music) or engaging in some light exercise such as walking.

4. Muscle twitches

The occasional zings, fizzles and niggling thumps in muscle twitching can be a bit unsettling. This is especially true when they are seen on the entire body. They may appear and disappear on their own, or persist for a few days or even weeks. These strange spasms, no matter if they are a tiny localized twitch, or generalized ones that involve many muscles or groups are often thought to be one of the weird symptoms of anxiety.

The release of neurotransmitters (chemicals that "tell" muscles to move) is often the cause of muscle twitching. This happens because anxiety triggers your nervous system's stress response. In order to manage the stress your body releases these neurotransmitters.

The twitching is not an indication of a serious illness. Twitching muscles is more frequent than most people think, and it could be caused by all sorts of things from stress to caffeine to intense exercise. However, if you also have other symptoms like fatigue or muscle weakness it's crucial to consult with a medical professional to determine if there's any more serious issue.

Getting more rest and drinking plenty of water are two of the most effective ways to alleviate anxiety-induced muscle twitching. Magnesium is a good mineral to include in your diet, since it can help to relax muscles and decrease twitching. It is also helpful to practice relaxation methods like progressive muscular relaxation. This technique involves tensing and relaxing every muscle section of your body, starting at the head and moving down to your feet.

5. Headaches

Anxiety can cause headaches or pressure around your eyes and head. When you're stressed and stressed, your muscles tighten up particularly in your neck and shoulders. Stress and hormonal changes can result in tight muscles that can lead to migraines or headaches. Strange sensations such as the sensation of tingling, numbness or pins and needles can also be linked to anxiety. They typically occur in the extremities but can happen anyplace. They are typically caused by hyperventilation, tension in the muscles or anxiety.

If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly then it's time to see your doctor. Your doctor will determine whether the symptoms are caused by anxiety symptoms test or something else, such as stomach anxiety symptoms viruses or another health condition.

In some instances your doctor might prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help ease these strange physical symptoms. Better sleep can reduce anxiety-related symptoms. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises can also be beneficial.

Anxiety can lead to many unusual and unexpected physical symptoms. Understanding the signs and symptoms and knowing that they're a sign of a problem can help you manage these symptoms. It's normal to worry about things that are causing you concern however, if these concerns begin to affect your daily routine or becoming chronic, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can help you manage anxiety symptoms and get your life back on track. Good luck!