Anxiety Effects – Physical & Psychological

Physical Anxiety Effects

The symptoms of anxiety can mimic those of an actual physical illness, and can be quite troubling to endure. Some of the side effects of anxiety are physical in nature. The body is geared to respond physically to fear or danger. Extra adrenaline is produced by the body, which if there was an actual physical danger, would enable the person to flee and escape.

However, in the case of anxiety, there is nothing physical to flee from… it’s simply fearful thoughts that trigger the reaction.

The side effects of anxiety, when adrenaline is produced, can be quite uncomfortable, and can include an increase in the rate of breathing, as well as causing a racing heart rate. Some other physical effects of anxiety can include the sensation of missing heart beats, or other types of heart palpitations. Breathing often feels constricted and the throat can feel tight. Hyperventilation can also occur, and it can be difficult to swallow, due to the tension in the throat.

There are other physical side effects of anxiety. These can include symptoms of pain, or the feeling of being afflicted with an actual physical illness. Stress and anxiety side effects can also include visual disturbances. These might be simply uncomfortable, or might be dangerous, depending on your circumstances when the anxiety attack occurs.

Psychological and Emotional Anxiety Effects

There can be emotional and psychological anxiety side effects as well. These can include a feeling of detachment and depersonalization, with the sensation of being separated from the situation, and perhaps even feeling as though there is a separation from the body itself.

This can produce the sensation of watching oneself, which can feel like you are a spectator in your own life. This could last for only a few seconds, or could continue for several hours. It can often start and stop abruptly, and it can be very confusing and disorienting when it happens.

Anxiety Related Stress and Tension

Other side effects of anxiety can include tension and stress. Sometimes the person experiencing the anxiety side effects doesn’t even realize that they are tensing all their muscles, or clenching their teeth. Or, sometimes the opposite is true and the person feels suddenly faint or weak, perhaps to the point of feelings like they are going to collapse or faint.

Muscles may tremble or feel weak, and the fluctuations in blood pressure caused by the effect of anxiety can produce a feeling of dizziness. When experiencing anxiety, it’s common to become flushed and hot, and sweating can occur.

Treating Anxiety

If not dealt with properly, the effects of anxiety can cause a number of problems. These problems can include a loss of concentration and focus, sleeplessness, and even depression. Anxiety can cause a loss of the desire to eat in some people, or can produce eating binges in others. It is important to find a method of anxiety management that works for you, such as breathing control, meditation, or relaxation techniques.

If necessary, you should consult with a doctor to get help in dealing with anxiety and stress, so that it doesn’t take a physical toll on the body. There are prescription medications available that can treat the symptoms of anxiety, such as Prozac, Valium and Clonazepam, among others. And always remember, there is help out there. You don’t have to battle anxiety yourself.