How Anxiety Affects Your Body

People might tell you that anxiety is all in your mind, but this unpleasant psychological condition can also manifest physically. If you suffer from chronic or intermittent anxiety, your body might react to your mental state and produce these symptoms.

Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

In the short term, episodes of anxiety increase your heart rate and your blood pressure, according to WebMD. Over time, however, chronic anxiety can elevate your risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks because of the strain your anxiety puts on this organ.

Stomach Upset, Diarrhea, and Constipation

Anxiety can impact your stomach and digestive system differently depending on how your body reacts to it. Some sufferers of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) develop chronic diarrhea and stomach cramps, while others experience constipation.

Dry Mouth and Sore Throat

When you feel anxious, your body responds by redirecting fluids into essential organs and tissues. That moisture must come from somewhere — usually your mouth. That's why an episode of anxiety might make your mouth feel dry and your throat dry or sore. Here's a look at how else anxiety can affect your body.

Sleep Disturbances

You might experience difficulty falling or staying asleep during periods of extreme anxiety. Insomnia leads to generalized fatigue, light-headedness, and other unpleasant symptoms. In the long run, chronic sleeplessness can impact your ability to function during day-to-day activities. Issues other than anxiety can cause insomnia, however, so consult a psychic hotline to explore different possibilities.

Headaches and Concentration Problems

Many of anxiety's physical symptoms influence each other. For example, insomnia and dehydration can cause headaches and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, when your thoughts are focused on situations or eventualities that worry you, those same two symptoms can result.

Hyperhidrosis

Also called excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis is usually temporary in anxiety sufferers. When you feel calmer, the sweating stops. However, during periods of hyperhidrosis, you will dehydrate more easily and may feel uncomfortable.

Dizziness and Weaknesses

When you feel anxious, your muscles tense in preparation for danger. This can lead to dizziness and weakness as well as muscle cramps and soreness. In some cases, dizziness also signals the start of a panic attack.

Hyperventilation

Fast breathing, or hyperventilation, can make you feel as though you aren't able to inhale enough oxygen. This might go together with symptoms like headaches and weakness. Learning breathing techniques can help ease this issue.

Skin and Hair Problems

During periods of high stress and anxiety, your hair might fall out at a faster rate, and you might have dry skin. Dehydration often plays a significant role in these symptoms.

Low Libido

You might experience a decrease in your libido as you battle anxiety. Talking calmly about how you feel with your partner can reduce the potential for hurt feelings and help you address the anxiety and not just your symptoms.

Anxiety can prove crippling in its most severe forms, but you don't have to feel ashamed or ostracized. If you suffer from anxiety, consult a mental health professional for guidance. Additionally, removing sources of stress in your life can ease anxiety, so consider booking a consultation with a live phone psychic to help restore balance in your life.