Living with chronic anxiety can cause physical stress on the human body, particularly affecting the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, chronic anxiety can interfere with your quality of life. Although anxiety is likely the most common cause of behavioral changes, it can also have severe consequences on physical health.
Stress can lead to serious health problems by disrupting nearly every system in the human body. It may suppress the immune system, upset the digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and accelerate the aging process. Stress can also rewire the brain, making a person more prone to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Signs and symptoms of nervous tension
When a person experiences stress, the hormones released by the body in a stressful situation can lead to a variety of physical and emotional responses. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms of excessive stress, which include the following:
Cognitive Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor judgment
- Negative thinking
- Racing or worrisome thoughts
- Persistent anxiety
Emotional Symptoms
- Depression or general unhappiness
- Anxiety and emotional instability
- Mood swings, irritability, or anger
- Feelings of exhaustion
- Loneliness and isolation
- Other mental or emotional health issues
Behavioral Symptoms
- Eating more or less than usual
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Withdrawing from others
- Procrastination or neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
- Nervous habits (such as nail-biting or fidgeting)
Physical Symptoms
● Headaches: Anxiety-related headaches often present as a persistent, dull pain, typically caused by tension and stress from anxiety. It’s not uncommon for these headaches to be accompanied by a sensation of pressure around the forehead or temples.
● Stomach Issues: Problems such as nausea, stomach upset, or even digestive discomfort can result from the body’s response to stress. These issues can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating conditions, highlighting the significant impact anxiety can have on digestive health.
● Muscle Tension: Anxiety can also lead to muscle tension, causing varying degrees of discomfort and pain. This tension often concentrates in the neck, shoulders, and back, potentially resulting in chronic pain if not addressed. Understanding how muscle tension relates to anxiety can be crucial in managing these physical symptoms.
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