What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
People can have anxiety symptoms due to many reasons. Some common causes include stressful life events, sleep deprivation, and physical conditions such as pain and chronic illness.
Some common symptoms include: irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms may be more serious, and require medical attention.
1. Panic attacks
If you experience panic attacks often it could be a sign of anxiety. Panic attacks are sudden experiences of anxiety and intense physical sensations. They can occur anywhere and at any time, such as when you're driving or shopping, going to sleep or in the middle of an event. They can cause a racing heartbeat, difficulty breathing and sweating. You might feel like you're experiencing an attack of the heart and it can be frightening. These symptoms are the result of the body's “fight or fight or flight” response. It's a natural reaction to perceived threats, such as an grizzly bear, or a swerving car. The body releases adrenaline, which increases blood flow to muscles and triggers other physical changes to take action against the threat.
The symptoms of panic attacks can be different for each person and also change over the passage of time. Some people experience one panic attack and never experience another, while others experience them frequently. They may have specific circumstances or places that trigger them, such as the gym, dentist's office, or speaking in public. The attacks can be short but they feel like they come in waves.
Although these symptoms can be unpleasant however, they aren't harmful or life-threatening. They can be challenging to handle on your own, and are often thought to be symptoms of a medical issue such as heart attack or thyroid condition. It's important to speak to your doctor and seek treatment if you have any concerns.
Many people with anxiety symptoms perimenopause experience frequent panic attacks and worry about what Is Anxiety physical symptoms the next attack might occur. This may cause them to avoid certain situations or people in fear of triggering an attack. This is called agoraphobia.
You could be diagnosed with panic disorders if you have frequent moments of anxiety, fear or panic without any obvious trigger. People with panic disorder are more likely to suffer from other anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and phobias.
2. Worry
It's normal to worry and can be helpful in preparing us to act in a potentially dangerous situation. It can be an indication that you are anxious if it is persistent and has a negative impact on your everyday life. If your anxiety panic attack symptoms is keeping you up at night or preventing you from having fun it's essential to seek out help.
It's difficult to determine the root of anxiety disorders. But, we do know that stress and an imbalance in the chemical system of your brain are involved. This could be triggered by long-term stress or constant exposure. Stress can also alter the way your body processes chemicals like dopamine or a cortisol. Certain individuals are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder due to their genetic make-up or family background. If you've had a history of trauma or abuse in the past, this can cause anxiety disorder.
There are a variety of ways to treat anxiety, such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Some of the most effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can teach you strategies to overcome the negative thoughts that cause distress. It is also possible to benefit from other forms of therapy, such as mindfulness, which can help you to pay attention to the present moment.
It's crucial to seek treatment immediately and before your symptoms get worse. You can attempt to manage your symptoms by exercising, not drinking too much caffeine, and getting enough sleep. You can also use the Service Locator to locate health care services close to your home. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts contact the suicide hotline on 13 11 14 or visit the hospital. If you need support you can speak to a friend or family member, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information on anxiety and its treatment visit the Anxiety Australia website.
3. Physical symptoms
When anxiety is untreated it can cause numerous physical symptoms. If these symptoms are present, people can be misdiagnosed as having medical problems. It is crucial to receive a precise diagnosis. A healthcare professional will perform a thorough exam to rule out other ailments. They can also ask you about your mental health and daily activities.
The symptoms can vary from person person, but many of the common ones are headaches, breathlessness, and shakiness. Speak to your therapist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They can help you learn how to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety and lessen their impact on your life.
If you are feeling anxious, your body's fight-or-flight response begins to activate. This could trigger an increase in the heart rate. This is because adrenal glands send signals to the heart to increase the rate of blood flow, in preparation for the possibility of a potentially dangerous situation. This may also cause you to breathe faster. Many people experience an ache in their chest or feel that they are not getting enough oxygen.
It is also a common symptom of anxiety. It could be due to the fight or flight response, which can increase the activity of sweat glands all over the body. According to the NIMH it can lead to pit stains as well as dripping hands and the feeling that you're overheated.
Anxiety can also cause a dry mouth, which makes it difficult to talk or swallow. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine the condition can be uncomfortable and could even cause choking. People suffering from anxiety may also feel the sensation of not being capable of breathing which can be terrifying and lead them to panic.
One of the most severe physical symptoms of anxiety are changes in the digestive system, like constipation or diarrhea. Stress hormones can trigger acid reflux and affect digestion. Other possible symptoms are tingling or pins and needles on the hands or feet which is a sign that your nervous system is over-excited.
4. Isolation
While everyone experiences anxiety at times individuals suffering from anxiety disorders have an overt and constant fear or worry that affects their daily lives and triggers physical symptoms. It can be about something specific (such as panic attacks) or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about a wide range of daily situations.
In addition and stress, anxiety can trigger various physical symptoms, like dizziness, a pounding heart chest pain, or shortness of breath. It can also cause emotional symptoms such as a feeling of impending doom, or the feeling that everything is out-of-control. Anxiety symptoms are also experienced by people who have chronic health conditions, like diabetes or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).
People with anxiety disorders typically avoid situations that cause their symptoms, which causes them to feel lonely. This can lead to depression which can be co-occurring with anxiety. An anxiety-related family history, disorders, a traumatizing childhood and adulthood, or certain personality traits like shyness can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. Stress can also increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
Effective treatment for anxiety is available despite the multitude of causes. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy”, and medications are effective for most sufferers of anxiety. Talk therapy can help a person learn new ways to think and act, which may reduce anxiety. The use of medication can reduce the severity of symptoms and can be taken for a brief or prolonged time.
People who wish to get better should visit a doctor for an evaluation. The doctor will collect an entire medical history and conduct physical examination. The doctor will examine the patient's symptoms and how these affect their daily life. There aren't any lab tests that can diagnose anxiety symptoms stomach disorders. The doctor will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the most commonly used reference to diagnose mental illness.(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/human-givens-institute-logo.png)
