The Physical Manifestations of Anxiety

The sweaty brow, the racing heart, and the shortness of breath—anxiety is often defined by physical manifestations. It’s not just a mental or chemical thing, it’s a very physical experience.

In this article, we’re going to cover

• What causes the physical symptoms of anxiety
• Whether or not you can experience anxiety physically but not emotionally
• When it’s time to talk with a doctor

What Causes The Physical Feelings of Anxiety

When people are confronted with stress and danger, their body goes into overtime in order to attempt to get out of danger. It’s the adrenaline kick that improves senses, physical strength, and even speed.

The physical feeling you get from adrenaline includes:

• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Tense muscles
• Shortness of breath 

These responses are aimed to get you ready to fight the danger or flee from it.

The physical symptoms of anxiety are caused by the same mechanism as the fight or flight response—even if the danger isn’t life-threatening, and is only perceived. For example, someone may be worried about making a phone call. They’ll feel the physical sensations of anxiety alongside their anxious thoughts.

The Brain Mechanics of Anxiety

Your brain’s limbic system—the hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala—is responsible for most of your emotional processing. Anxiety is typically an override of your limbic system, and it often has nothing to do with your higher cognitive processing. Your brain gets triggered by a real or perceived danger, and gets flooded with hormones that spark the fight or flight response.

Common Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Although everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, the physical manifestations of anxiety are common. These are the common physical reactions people have when experiencing anxiety:

• Shortness of breath
• Tense muscles
• Overstimulation 
• Light headed
• Chest pain
• Sweaty palms
• Hot flashes
• Feeling shaky

All of these symptoms can occur when your body is experiencing anxiety of any measure. The more severe your anxious feelings, the more intense these symptoms become.

Learn more about crippling anxiety.

Can You Have Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Without Feeling Anxious?

When you have anxiety, your higher cognitive functions are overridden. Unfortunately, you can’t control the physical manifestations of anxiety.

Because of this function of anxiety, it’s possible to experience the physical sensations of anxiety while not “feeling” anxious, or, thinking anxious thoughts. You could be enjoying yourself and feeling fine then suddenly start experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain caused by a dysfunctional limbic system.

People often describe this by expressing that their body feels anxious. It’s a common experience and can be treated the same way any type of anxiety would be treated. 

This is also true for a lot of other feelings and experiences. People feel like they need to cry for seemingly no reason or feel depressed just because. 

Learn about why people sometimes cry for no reason.

When To See A Doctor For Anxiety

Anxiety might be a regular part of your life. Maybe you experience it once every couple of months or have a really bad week every now and then. Whatever your experience with anxiety is, it’s never a bad idea to talk to your doctor about anxiety.

Anxiety is something you should discuss if:

• You experience persistent anxious feelings
• Anxiety gets in the way of daily living
• You feel anxious about a lot of things
• Anxiety is harming your physical health

Physical or psychological symptoms of anxiety can be linked to other issues or an anxiety disorder. Talking to a doctor can help uncover any potential underlying issues, and help you get help and start managing symptoms. Even if you think your symptoms are purely physical, talking to your doctor can help.

Depending on the intensity of your symptoms and how long they’ve lasted, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medication and refer you to therapy.

Anti-Anxiety Medication for Physical Anxiety

It’s possible to manage physical manifestations of anxiety with specific medications. 

Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines to treat the symptoms of anxiety. However, there are also less intense medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

The intensity of your medication will be dependent on the intensity of your symptoms. In some cases, a take-as-needed prescription is enough to quell physical symptoms when they arise. However, some people may need more everyday treatment.

Counseling for Anxiety

Anxiety medication can help you manage anxiety symptoms, both physical and mental. However, therapy can help you deal with the root cause of anxiety. There are a lot of approaches to treating anxiety including:

• Cognitive behavioral health (CBT)
• Exposure therapy
• Dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

You don’t need a doctor’s note to go see a therapist, but they may encourage you to see one if they think your anxiety symptoms could be improved by attending.

Physical symptoms of anxiety can take a toll on your health. Attending therapy is a great way to seek treatment and begin the process of improving symptoms.

Though these different types of therapy do look different from each other, they all share some common threads. Learn what to expect from therapy.

Health Complications from Anxiety

Anxiety can stick around for days and even weeks. You’ve probably felt the fatigue that comes with anxiety and the exhaustion that comes after it’s gone. The constant flood of adrenaline in your system can have long-term effects on your physical health.

Elevated heart rate and blood pressure can lead to issues such as heart disease and cardiac arrest. Tense muscles can lead to limited range of motion, chronic headaches, and digestive problems.

The physical symptoms of anxiety are not something you want to experience chronically. Seeking help is the best way to avoid these long-term health complications.

Finding Solutions At Sequoia Behavioral Health

Sequoia Behavioral Health is a holistic treatment facility for people experiencing all kinds of mental health problems, including those with severe anxiety. We’ll help you address current symptoms as well as underlying issues.

Learn more about what we treat and how we do it. If your life is disrupted by chronic mental health issues, Sequoia Behavioral Health can help. 

Reach out today to get started.