Stress, as well as anxiety are some of the main contributing factors for health problems. Read ahead to know more about the physical symptoms that indicate of anxiety and stress.
In today's fast paced life, anxiety and stress affects people of different age groups. These can have an adverse effect on the functioning of the human body, which in turn might give rise to a series of physical symptoms. Such symptoms should not be overlooked or neglected, as these can give rise to major health problems in the absence of prompt treatment.
Symptoms Associated with Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety can also be described as a response to stress. It is estimated that around 18% Americans are affected by anxiety disorders. Let us take a look at the physical signs and symptoms that can be observed in individuals affected by anxiety.
Sweating: This is one of the commonly observed symptoms. It is often a physiological reaction or response to anxiety that might occur in response to nervousness, embarrassment, anger, or fear.
Trembling: The problem of trembling that might occur in response to anxiety might be a deep-rooted one. The body shakes or trembles because of the biochemical changes that take place in the body. These changes directly affect the nervous system and brain.
Difficulty in Breathing: Anxiety might also cause difficulty in breathing. This is because of the insufficient oxygen supply to the body. The affected individual can also experience dizziness during this phase.
Chest Pain: A feeling of tightness in the chest might be experienced by the affected person. The chest pain might sometimes be confused with the precursor to heart attack. The chest pain associated with anxiety can be either dull or sharp.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms are stimulated by different states of the body including anxiety. Nausea is the central nervous system's way to respond to anxiety. There is a vomiting center in the brain that is responsible for vomiting.
Most of the stress-related symptoms are similar to those experienced in the anxiety phase.
Lowered Immunity: Prolonged stress can lower a person's immunity, thereby making one susceptible to recurring infections. The affected person is more likely to experience aches in different parts of the body.
Headaches: Stress can trigger headaches and migraine, which can create a lot of problems in daily life. The feeling of tightness in the head, or continuous pounding/throbbing sensation can certainly disturb one's routine.
Fatigue: An individual who has been under stress for long periods is likely to feel fatigued.
Digestive Problems: Stress can act in different ways on different people. It can make one susceptible to diarrhea or constipation.
Aches: The affected person might frequently experience aches or pains in different parts of the body.
Insomnia: One's sleep pattern might get affected due to prolonged stress. It can give rise to sleeplessness.
Stress has long-lasting effects on our body. It can affect different systems of the body. Drug therapy coupled with some changes in lifestyle are necessary to protect ourselves from the ill-effects and the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Although it is not possible to completely avoid stress in today's life, one can follow relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, etc., for the management of stress and anxiety.