The Physical Symptoms of Anxiety May Surprise You
The physical symptoms of anxiety can be subtle at first, but can develop into serious health problems. The bodily signs can help you be aware of the impact on you of being nervous.
Generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders have symptoms you can notice.
My Mom, my wife and myself have all been impacted by being stressed out.
There are 3 big ways anxiety can show up in your life.
#1: Physical symptoms of anxiety can include gastrointestinal issues.
According to Anthony Komaroff, author of “The Gut Brain Connection”:
“Stress (or depression or other psychological factors) can affect movement and contractions of the GI tract, make inflammation worse, or perhaps make you more susceptible to infection. Stomach or intestinal problems — such as heartburn, abdominal cramps, or loose stools. Watch for these other common symptoms of stress.”
ACTION STEP: Notice if you are having any gastrointestinal issues. This can be a physical sign of anxiety that is showing up in your body.
Your awareness can help heal your gut.
#2: Physical symptoms of anxiety can include fatigue.
Many people who are stressed out are also tired and fatigued. Much of their energy is used as they feel a high level of danger. They get worn out. People who are anxious can be exhausted at the end of the day. They have been in fight or flight all day.
If you notice that you feel fatigued in the late afternoon, you may be anxious. The fatigue can even be a sign of depression. If you are excessively worrying and fatigued, this is a sign of anxiety. Nervousness can cause people to feel weary and tired. If you feel fatigued every day, this is a stronger sign of possible anxiety. You can feel drained.
Fatigue can be a result of your brain feeling overwhelmed and burdened. Anxiety effects your muscles. You can feel weak from being nervous.
ACTION STEP: Make note of how often you feel tired at the end of the afternoon. Is it once per week or every day? Tune in to how often you are feeling weary.
You can find out if there is a pattern in your life. This can help you to know if fatigue may be caused by anxiety.
The key: When you are aware of what is going on in your body, that is going to help you determine if you have an issue with anxiety. Gastrointestinal issues and fatigue can point to an issue with anxiety.
You can be aware of what is going on in your body. That can give you power to heal yourself. It starts with noticing your gut and your energy level.
#3 Headaches can be another physical symptom of anxiety.
Many people get pain in their head from being nervous. Healthline has an article on “Anxiety and Headaches”:
“Anxiety headaches are another common physical symptom.
If you’re stressed or worried about something, you may have tension headaches. Experiencing severe or frequent headaches can also worsen the symptoms of anxiety.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, nearly half of all Americans living with migraine also have anxiety. Research Trusted Source also suggests that people who have migraine attacks may be up to five times more likely to have anxiety than people who don’t.”
ACTION STEP: Notice if you are having regular headaches. Do you think they may be related to anxiety?
Be aware of gastrointestinal issues, fatigue and headaches in your life. If you have all 3, you may have anxiety. Check in with your body and notice what is going on with your well-being. When you notice the physical symptoms of anxiety, you can take positive action.
To your Happiness😊
Jim Twomey
Tucson’s Depression and Anxiety Breakthrough Specialist
Founder and CEO of Peace for You
