Anxiety symptoms: Hidden physical signs of anxiety affecting your body

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. Sometimes, our mind is overwhelmed with stress and still we fail to recognize that our mental health is deteriorating. Most people experience anxiety on occasion. Taking a break and practicing mindful activities can help ease your anxiety. However, it can turn into a serious disorder if it lasts for a long time, causes significant distress, or interferes with your life.

Anxiety isn’t only in your head. It can also cause physical symptoms. Here are some physical symptoms which might be a sign of anxiety. It is best to seek medical advice if you experience any such symptoms.

When your mind experiences stress, anxiety is your body’s response to alerts you to threats.This is called the fight-or-flight response. In such a scenario, you breathe rapidly because your lungs are trying to move more oxygen through your body in response to danger. This can make you feel short of breath, which could trigger further anxiety.

Your body’s fight-or-flight response from anxiety can cause the body to stiffen up, leading to muscle aches. Tensed muscles may prepare you to get away from danger quickly. However, this stress on muscles can lead to body pain, headaches, and migraines.

Read more: Clots and air blocks: Has Pulmonary Embolism increased after COVID?

Just like muscle stiffness, some people might experience restlessness, which can lead to a variety of anxious behaviors like excessive foot tapping and excessive handshaking.

Exercise in general can help reduce stress. If you can’t be active, try sitting outside every day. Research shows that spending time in nature can benefit mental health.


Read more: 10 signs you have ignored your mental health and why you shouldn't have

People with anxiety disorders may experience panic attacks. A panic attack is characterized by a rapid heartbeat, intense sweating and the patient may feel like they are about to die.

If you’re having a panic attack, you might have trouble breathing or feel as if you’re choking. Other signs include having numb or tingling sensations in parts of your body, chest pain and feeling lightheaded or dizzy, as if you might pass out. Feeling overheated or having chills may also be signs of a panic attack from anxiety.

During an anxiety attack, the body releases hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which can help when facing a threat. These hormones are responsible for increased heartbeat and breathing. However, frequently releasing these hormones due to stress or anxiety can have long-term health effects. They can also negatively affect your digestion and blood sugar. People may experience stomach pain, nausea, or digestive troubles.