It may come as a surprise to find out that anxiety can cause many physical reactions. People often mistakenly believe that anxiety is an exclusively emotional experience. However, in truth, it can cause very unpleasant and upsetting physical symptoms. These symptoms can be highly distressing and can exacerbate or foster emotional anxiety in a person. Physical symptoms of anxiety can manifest in two ways or a combination of the two. The symptoms appear after a person experiences emotions related to anxiety, or the symptoms appear before or in place of the emotions of anxiety. Most people can easily understand physical symptoms of anxiety when one becomes anxious emotionally because the majority of us have experienced these symptoms personally at one time or another. One of the most common fears we humans have is fear of speaking in public. Even professional speakers will tell you about strong physical symptoms of anxiety when confronted with getting before an audience. Someone who is nervous about speaking in front of a group of people can easily identify the physical symptoms of this anxiety. This anxiety almost always follows the same path, with gradually increasing symptoms until the time to speak. Recognizing these symptoms can help identify other situations which may trigger anxiety. An individual may not recognize certain physical symptoms of anxiety that may be experienced prior to the emotions of anxiety. For example, a patient who arrives at the hospital with chest pains may be experiencing a physical symptom of anxiety. The chest pains cause the patient to worry about other potential health problems, but there arent any other signs of anxiety. Testing and a thorough examination by emergency room staff reveal no physical reason for the chest pain. During a discussion between the doctor and patient, it comes to light that the patient's job is highly stressful and he is currently experiencing difficulties in his personal life. These are the factors that have led to the anxiety attack. Even though the patient does not feel that the challenges he is currently facing in his life are causing him to feel anxious, his body is exhibiting a physical symptom of anxiety instead of an emotional one. The chest pains are his body's direct reaction to the stress that he is experiencing. Tightness in the chest or chest pain, shortness of breath, shakiness and unsteadiness in the legs, increased heart rate, and digestive distress like vomiting or nausea are some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. You do not have to fear that anxiety will take control of your life. There a several effective ways to control anxiety and lead a normal life. Indeed, medication is not the only option to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. There are techniques that can be learned and even natural remedies to dealing with anxiety attacks. Talk to your doctor about your options so that you can choose what is right for you.
Fear, worry, and apprehension can be caused by many events. But when fear, worry, and apprehension are present on a person in an intense and irrational manner, possibly all at the same time, then he or she might be suffering from an anxiety attack. The 3 aforementioned conditions are accompanied by physical symptoms. They are as follows:
Perspiration or Sweating - It is normal for a person to sweat. This is the body's natural way to cool down after physical activity such as exercising. It's also the body's response to external heat. However, sweating is one physical symptom that is also apparent when a person is having an anxiety attack.
Palpitations or fast and/or hard heart beating or pounding - Constant heart beating is obviously a sign of life. But, this should stay at a normal rate. When a person gets excited or frightened, he or she can feel that his or her heart skips or stops beating. Palpitating, however, can be an effect of anxiety. This is an unpleasant sensation that can be felt from the chest all the way to the neck and throat.
Stomach pain or abdominal pain - Often, physical pain has a corresponding physical problem. However, emotional illness such as anxiety attack can be one reason of such pain. Emotions can greatly affect the system of the body and can even cause inability to the person. Physical pain such as stomach and abdominal pain can be some of symptoms of anxiety.
Shaking or Trembling - Shaking or trembling can be caused by anger, stress, rage, or anxiety. But it should be noted that experiencing this regularly can be a sign of physical imbalance and should be examined by a doctor.
Cold or Hot Flashes - A sudden and lasting sensation of body temperature change particularly in the upper body can be caused by emotional illnesses to include anxiety.
Lightheadedness, Faintness or Dizziness - Lightheadedness with no apparent physical cause can be a symptom of an anxiety attack. The inability to maintain balance while sitting or standing can also be a sign of anxiety. Some anti-anxiety drugs can provide help in treating these.
Nausea and Vomiting - Nausea and vomiting can be caused by external conditions or it can be the body's response to stimulants. These can be pain, changes in the body, taste, smell, irritation, poor blood circulation and anxiety.
Chest pain - It is described as a pressure, heaviness and discomfort on the chest. Meanwhile, a sudden and sharp pain in the chest can be a sign of heart attack. Still, other reasons can cause a person to feel chest pain. One of these of course is anxiety attack.
Difficulty in swallowing - A feeling of tightening from the neck to the upper part of the abdomen, tightening of the neck area or only at the chest (behind the breastbone) can be a sign of emotional problems including anxiety.
Periods of breathlessness, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing - Any of these can send discomfort to the person. This often leads to dizziness as the muscles, brain, and other body organs cannot receive their required oxygen supply to function properly. Periods of breathlessness, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing can be a sign of anxiety.
As was mentioned, any of these symptoms can be caused by other physical conditions but if a person has shown at least 4 of the mentioned symptoms, it is advisable to seek proper help immediately.
Both Jason H. Lee & Matt Oconnor are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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