Anxiety is not just fear or worry. It can also affect your body. You might not realize your bodily changes are due to anxiety, leading to confusing feelings that can make you think you’re sick when you’re actually just stressed.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we see many people with these hidden signs. When your mind feels worried, your body can show it surprisingly. Knowing these physical symptoms of anxiety can help you get help sooner.
Why Anxiety Affects the Body
When you feel anxious, your brain signals to your body that there may be danger, even if there isn’t. This is part of the “fight or flight” response.
Your body will prepare to defend you, yet it may strain the muscles, nerves, and even organs when this continues. In the long run, you will experience strange bodily sensations correlated with the feelings.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety You Might Not Recognize
The following are some of the physical manifestations of anxiety that individuals do not consider. Pay attention to their occurrence and see whether it is time to see a medical professional.
- Chest Tightening
Many think that chest tightness is always due to heart problems. While it’s essential to check for heart issues, anxiety can also have the same sensation. It is the feeling when the muscles contract and breathing becomes shallow during anxiety.
- Stomach Problems
Due to anxiety, many stomach disorders may develop. You may experience gas or abdominal cramps, nausea, or diarrhea. With the gut-brain axis, stress interferes with digestion, which causes your stomach to become nervous.
- Unexplained Muscle Aches
The tension may strain the muscles without any activity or cause an injury. Anxiety frequently causes pain in the shoulders, back, and neck, and also makes the jaws feel stiff due to clenching of teeth.
- Tingling or Numbness
Some anxious people experience pins-and-needles sensations in their hands, feet, or face. This may happen because stress changes breathing. It affects blood circulation and nerve impulses.
- Sudden Sweating
The anxiety could induce sweating, even in a cool room. It is most common on the palms, underarms, and forehead. It is the other element of the “fight or flight” response of the body.
- Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded
During anxiety, your breathing might speed up. This can reduce carbon dioxide levels in your blood, leading to dizziness or fainting. It might feel alarming, but it typically eases when you concentrate on breathing slowly.
- Trouble Sleeping
Fear can cause one to lack sleep at night, making it complicated. Lack of sleep in the long term can also cause fatigue and an increased level of anxiety, which can cause a complicated circle that is hard to stop.
- Migraines and Headache
Tense head, neck, and shoulder muscles can cause headaches. Fear can also induce migraines, which make them more severe, light-sensitive, and nauseating.
- Changes in Appetite
Anxiety may influence the appetite positively or negatively. Some overeat, and others lose their appetite for food. This shift is possible within a short period and might cause either a gain or a decrease in weight without the intention of doing so.
- Rapid Heartbeat
A racing heart is one of the characteristic signs of anxiety. It can be pounding or fluttering. It may be short-lived, but it makes one worry more and aggravates anxiety.
How to Know if Anxiety Is the Cause
Other health issues can also cause these symptoms. It is essential to see a provider to find out the real cause.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we listen to your concerns, check your health, and help you find the best way to feel better.
Taking Care of Yourself
You can perform minor actions daily to assist in soothing anxiety and your body:
- Breathe Slowly: Inhale gently through your nose and exhale quietly.
- Exercise: Tense muscles can be relaxed through a small walk.
- Get Some Sleep: Do this by going to bed every night at about the same time.
- Eat Healthy Stuff: The goodness in the food nourishes your head and body.
- Reduce Caffeine: An excessive amount of coffee or tea in the body may increase anxiety.
- Speak with a Provider: A mental health care provider can give you coping techniques.
How Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care Can Help
If you have physical symptoms without a clear cause, anxiety might be involved. At our clinic, we provide:
- Complete evaluations to identify your symptoms and triggers.
- Therapy options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage anxiety.
- Medication management when necessary.
- Personalized care plans for your physical and emotional health.
- Crisis support when anxiety feels too much to handle.
- Virtual care appointments are available to receive help from home.
Our lead provider, Dr. Abisola Onashile, is experienced in caring for mental health conditions like anxiety and more. We are accepting new patients and also welcome walk-ins.
When to Reach Out
When such symptoms continue to occur or when anxiety adds to the difficulty of everyday living, seek help. You do not need to wait when things get worse.
We welcome new patients and often have walk-in spots.
Call 360-200-1696 or visit gracehealthclinicuc.com to book your appointment. We take most insurance plans and have flexible payment options. Mental health care should be for everyone.
Bottom line
Anxiety can cause many body changes you may not expect. By learning these signs, you can take steps to feel better. At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we are here to listen, care, and help you find relief.
FAQs
Q: Can children have physical symptoms from anxiety?
Yes. Kids can get stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping from anxiety.
Q: Will my physical symptoms go away if I treat my anxiety?
For many people, yes. When anxiety improves, body symptoms often get better too.
Q: How do I know if my pain is from anxiety or another illness?
A health provider can help you figure it out. We check your mental and physical health at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care.