Living with a mental health issue such as anxiety, stress, or depression can take a toll on our physical well-being and affect our state of mind. The invisible nature of mental health illnesses makes it frustrating for the patient to express themselves, inducing isolation.
However, when looked closely, mental health issues present themselves in various forms, both physical and mental. Ranging from gastrointestinal problems to chest pains, the physical manifestation of stress and anxiety can be surprising and often go unnoticed.
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and genders. While there are some common indicators of anxiety, such as overthinking or restlessness, its effect on individuals varies depending on your fitness level, health problems, age, and other environmental factors.
The diagnosis of mental health issues is complicated and may involve an in-depth assessment of your emotional status and aptitude test. Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations and triggers and can be easily managed through medical intervention.
Let us look at seven common signs of anxiety that often get overlooked. Being mindful of these symptoms can help you identify your issues early, helping you get timely treatment.
1. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common symptom of a mental health issue manifesting as a physical ailment. Chest pains often accompany panic attacks caused by anxiety.
If you suffer from anxiety, you would often find yourself overwhelmed with a feeling of “racing heart” or “heart flutter.” The heart rate of a person suffering from chronic stress or anxiety is often alleviated and accompanied by muscle tension.
The increased heart rate and tense bodies are your body’s fight or flight response to stressful conditions. When anxiety presents itself in the form of chest pain and muscle tension, it can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. This can lead to increased stress and panic, causing confusion and paranoia.
2. Ringing in ears
Tinnitus is referred to ringing or buzzing in the ears, which is usually caused by exposure to loud noise. The ringing in our ears can be better defined as the sound of silence we hear when present in a high-pressure environment.
Constant ringing in the ears felt by people suffering from chronic tinnitus can cause anxiety in an individual. The ringing can change form and present itself in a roar or whistling sound depending on the individual.
People suffering from anxiety are more sensitive with a higher sense of awareness regarding their tinnitus. Anxiety and tinnitus are both causes and symptoms that form a vicious cycle where anxiety worsens tinnitus and tinnitus induces anxiety in a person.
3. Rashes and Hives
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you that the sudden itching sensation you feel all over your body during stressful situations is caused by anxiety. However, research shows a direct link between your mind and your skin.
Anxiety leads to an overwhelming feeling which can present itself in various forms. It can lead to panic attacks where one is left gasping for breath or drowning in one’s own emotions feeling suffocated.
Another form of anxiety taking over your body is rashes and hives. You may feel overwhelmed and notice rashes building up all over your body. Not only is anxiety the cause of chronic itching and skin conditions, but it also worsens the condition as an anxious person is more likely to panic during stressful situations.
4. Persistent Hiccups
Hiccups are usually indicative of issues with your digestive system. They are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, which poor eating habits can cause. However, there is a strong link between the onset of hiccups and psychological distress among children and adolescents.
Hiccups tend to get intensified during increased mental or emotional stress. They are a natural response to anxiety and panic attacks.
5. Dissociation
Dissociation can present itself in various forms, such as detachment from your true nature, withdrawal from your surroundings, distorted perception of your surroundings, and much more. It is often triggered by traumatic events or anxiety, leading to a sudden change in behavior and altered consciousness.
Leading a stressful life with triggers that damage your emotional and mental well-being can result in dissociation or depersonalization. Usually, dissociation is a symptom of anxiety and a cause for depression.
People suffering from dissociation tend to lose their connection with their true nature, appear disinterested or feel disconnected from their environment. While these symptoms mimic dissociative disorder’s symptoms, the usual cause for dissociative behavior is anxiety and stress, hampering one’s ability to process information and respond correctly.
6. Gastrointestinal issues
Did you know that “butterflies in your stomach” are a symptom of nervousness that can transform into diarrhea, nausea, or constipation if you suffer prolonged anxiety or stress?
Studies show a significant link between our brain and the gut. H.Pylori infections that are caused due to irritable stomach lining are prevalent in people suffering from anxiety and stress.
Anxiety affects our overall well-being, including our gastrointestinal health, and may worsen illnesses you already suffer from, such as ulcers or bowel-related issues.
7. Excessive Worrying
Do you catch yourself staring at your walls, worrying about made-up scenarios or daily life woes? Has overthinking started dictating your life, hampering your overall functionality? Chances are you are suffering from anxiety and stress issues.
Overthinking is defined as excessive thinking about trivial matters in our lives that are disproportionate to the triggering events. The worrying is crippling and is classified as GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder if it persists for over six months.
People suffering from GAD find it difficult to manage their day-to-day lives and need medical help to facilitate a quality and healthy lifestyle. GAD causes concentration issues, insomnia and hampers one’s ability to carry out basic tasks that require minimal focus.
