Everybody gets anxious occasionally, but persistent anxiety can make life less enjoyable. Although most people associate anxiety with changes in behavior, it can also have very negative physical effects. Read on to discover the major physical effects of anxiety, or look into how getting more sleep can enhance both your mental and physical well-being.

The physical effects of anxiety

Anxiety is a typical human emotion. For instance, you might have felt anxious before speaking in front of a group or during a job interview.

Anxiety speeds up your breathing and heart rate temporarily, concentrating blood flow to your brain, which you need. Your body is preparing for stress by having this reaction.

If it gets too intense, you might feel dizzy and queasy. Your physical and mental health may be negatively affected by excessive or ongoing anxiety.

Although anxiety disorders can affect anyone at any age, people in their forties and fifties are the most susceptible. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that anxiety disorders affect women more frequently than they do men (NIMH).

Stressful life events are more likely to cause anxiety disorders to manifest. Symptoms might appear right away or years from now. A serious medical condition, a drug or alcohol addiction, or both can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder.

Different types of anxiety disorders exist. These specifics are:

Anxiety disorder with generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD)

Excessive anxiety for no apparent reason is a hallmark of GAD. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that 6.8 million adult Americans experience GAD each year (ADAA).

Extreme worry that lasts for six months or longer about a variety of issues qualifies as GAD. If your condition is minor, you should be able to carry on with your normal daily activities. Your life may be significantly impacted by severe cases.

Anxiety associated with social situations

This disorder is characterized by a paralyzing fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. You might feel ashamed and isolated if you have this severe form of social anxiety.

Around 15 million adults in the US are said to be affected by social anxiety disorder, according to the ADAA. Around 13 years old is the typical age at which symptoms start to show. A third or more of those who suffer from social anxiety disorder wait ten years or more before getting help.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

After seeing or going through something traumatic, PTSD may appear. The onset of symptoms may be sudden or gradual. War, natural disasters, and physical assaults are common causes. PTSD attacks can happen at any time and without prior notice.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with OCD may have intrusive and upsetting thoughts or feel compelled to repeatedly perform certain rituals (compulsions) (obsessions).

Compulsions to count and check things are frequent, as are compulsions to wash one’s hands. Common obsessions include those with symmetry, aggression, and cleanliness.

Phobias

They consist of a variety of fears, such as claustrophobia (fear of small spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights), and others. You might feel compelled to stay away from the thing or circumstance you’re afraid.

Anxiety issues

This may result in anxiety, fear, panic attacks, or a sense of impending doom. Heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath are examples of physical symptoms.

These assaults could happen at any time. In addition to panic disorder, you might also suffer from another type of anxiety disorder.

Nervous system (CNS)

Stress hormones can be regularly released by your brain as a result of chronic anxiety and panic attacks. This might make headaches, vertigo, and depression more prevalent.

When you’re stressed or anxious, your brain sends hormones and chemicals to your nervous system to help you react to a threat. Cortisol and adrenaline are two examples of stress hormones.

While occasionally helping you deal with high-stress situations, prolonged exposure to these hormones can be bad for your physical health. For instance, long-term cortisol exposure can result in weight gain.

The circulatory system

Chest pain, palpitations, and a rapid heartbeat are signs of anxiety disorders. Additionally, you might be more prone to heart disease or high blood pressure. Anxiety disorders may increase your risk of coronary events if you already have heart disease.

The excretory and digestive systems

Anxiety can have an impact on your gastrointestinal and excretory systems. It’s possible to experience digestive problems like nausea, diarrhea, and stomachaches. You might not feel hungry at all.

After a bowel infection, there may be a connection between anxiety disorders and the onset of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are IBS symptoms.

System of defense

Your fight-or-flight stress response is triggered by anxiety, and this floods your body with chemicals and hormones, including adrenaline.

This short-term increase in breathing and pulse rate allows your brain to get more oxygen. This will enable you to respond appropriately in a stressful situation. Your immune system might even experience a brief boost. When you experience occasional stress, your body resumes its regular operations.

If you are anxious and stressed frequently or for a long time, your body will never get the message to resume normal functioning. As a result, your immune system might deteriorate, leaving you more susceptible to diseases and viral infections. Additionally, your regular vaccinations might not be as effective if you have anxiety.

The pulmonary system

Breathing that is hurried and shallow is a sign of anxiety. You might experience complications from anxiety more frequently if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anxiety can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Other indications and symptoms of anxiety disorder include:

• headaches from muscle tension
• insomnia
• depression
• social isolation