Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety

January 2nd, 2009

by Jason H. Lee

It may come as a surprise to find out that anxiety can cause many physical reactions. People often mistakenly believe that anxiety is an exclusively emotional experience. However, in truth, it can cause very unpleasant and upsetting physical symptoms. These symptoms can be highly distressing and can exacerbate or foster emotional anxiety in a person.

Anxiety symptoms are generally classified into two types. There is emotional anxiety occurring during an emotionally stressful time, and seemingly unrelated physical symptoms like general pain in the body that may not be easily linked to the anxiety.

Many people have felt the physical symptoms that come along with feeling emotionally anxious and because of this they can understand the feeling. One of the most common fears is that of public speaking. Many people feel and can attest to feeling physical symptoms of anxiety even those people who make their living presenting in front of an audience.

People can be taught to recognize the physical symptoms of anxiety by thinking of the example of the anxiety they may feel when speaking to an audience. Anxiety will follow a predictable pattern of nervousness, which increases in intensity as the stressful situation is encountered.

An individual may not recognize certain physical symptoms of anxiety that may be experienced prior to the emotions of anxiety. For example, a patient who arrives at the hospital with chest pains may be experiencing a physical symptom of anxiety. The chest pains cause the patient to worry about other potential health problems, but there arent any other signs of anxiety. Testing and a thorough examination by emergency room staff reveal no physical reason for the chest pain. During a discussion between the doctor and patient, it comes to light that the patient’s job is highly stressful and he is currently experiencing difficulties in his personal life. These are the factors that have led to the anxiety attack.

Even though the patient does not feel that the challenges he is currently facing in his life are causing him to feel anxious, his body is exhibiting a physical symptom of anxiety instead of an emotional one. The chest pains are his body’s direct reaction to the stress that he is experiencing. Tightness in the chest or chest pain, shortness of breath, shakiness and unsteadiness in the legs, increased heart rate, and digestive distress like vomiting or nausea are some of the physical symptoms of anxiety.

You do not have to fear that anxiety will take control of your life. There a several effective ways to control anxiety and lead a normal life. Indeed, medication is not the only option to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. There are techniques that can be learned and even natural remedies to dealing with anxiety attacks. Talk to your doctor about your options so that you can choose what is right for you.

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Get more ways to stop panic attacks including symptoms of panic anxiety disorders.

Tags: anxiety attacks, Depression, health, health and fitness, mental health, Mental Illness, Panic Attacks, stress, Stress Management
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