The Physical Symptoms of Anxiety explained.
Written by Emily Nason, Psychologist Synapse Psychology.
Anxiety can show up in all sorts of physical ways, and it can be pretty unsettling, especially when you don't know what's causing it. These symptoms can make you worry even more, like wondering if something's seriously wrong or if you're having a heart attack. This can create a cycle where your anxiety feeds off itself, making everything feel worse. Understanding why these symptoms happen won't make them go away, but it can help you feel less scared of them and break that cycle.
Anxiety isn't just an uncomfortable feeling; it actually has a purpose. It alerts us to danger, helping us stay safe. For example, it makes sure we look both ways before crossing the street. In life-threatening situations, anxiety triggers the fight-or-flight response, prepping our bodies to either confront the danger or run away. While this is crucial for survival, modern life often blurs the lines between real danger and everyday stress, like a tight work deadline. It's important to remember that while anxiety's physical symptoms can be uncomfortable, they're not dangerous. Let's break down some common symptoms and why they happen:
Racing heart: Your heart speeds up to pump more blood to your muscles, getting you ready to run or fight.
Dry mouth: Your digestive system slows down to save energy for your muscles, which can make your mouth dry.
Racing thoughts: Anxiety makes you focus intensely on the situation, helping you make quick decisions.
Quick and shallow breathing: This helps you take in more oxygen for your muscles.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: If you don't use the extra oxygen from rapid breathing, it can make you feel dizzy.
Nausea or stomach 'butterflies': Your digestive system shuts down to conserve energy, which can make you feel nauseous.
Sweaty palms: Sweating helps cool your body down in preparation for physical exertion.
Muscle tension or shakiness: Increased blood flow and oxygen to your muscles can cause tension or trembling.
Vision changes: Your vision might become sharper or more focused on the threat, sometimes causing tunnel vision.
Bladder urgency: Your body might signal you to empty your bladder to make a quicker escape.
These responses are all part of your body's natural way of protecting you. While they can be uncomfortable, they're not harmful. Understanding this can help you feel less afraid of these symptoms and break the anxiety cycle. If you have any specific questions or need more info, just let me know!