What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

People can have anxiety symptoms due to a variety of reasons. The most common causes are stressful life events, sleep deprivation and physical conditions such as chronic pain and illness.

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include: irritability signs and symptoms of depression and Anxiety difficulty with concentration. Other symptoms could be more serious and require medical care.

1. Panic attacks

If you experience panic attacks often it could be an indication of anxiety. Panic attacks are sudden feelings or intense physical sensations. They can happen anywhere and anytime, like when you're driving, shopping, going to sleep, or even in the middle of a meeting. They can trigger a racing pulse, difficulty breathing and sweating. You might feel like you're having an attack on your heart, which can be terrifying. These symptoms are a result of the body's "fight or flight" response. It's an instinctive response to perceived threats such as the grizzly bear or a car that is turning. The body releases adrenaline which increases blood flow to muscles and causes other physical changes so that you can take action against the threat.

The symptoms of panic attacks may vary for each person and also change over the passage of time. Some people only have one panic attack, while others have them frequently. Some people are affected by certain locations or situations like the dentist's office, the gym or public speaking. The attacks are often short, but they may feel like they are being swept through your life in waves.

While these symptoms are unpleasant however, they aren't harmful or life-threatening. However, they can be difficult to manage on your own and are often mistaken for indications of a medical issue, such as an attack on the heart or thyroid disease. It is essential to talk to your doctor and seek treatment if you're experiencing any concerns.

Many people suffering from anxiety suffer periodic panic attacks and worry about when they will strike next. This can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as being cautious around certain people or situations since they could trigger an attack. This is known as agoraphobia.

You may be diagnosed with panic disorders if you have frequent periods of anxiety, fear or panic without a clear trigger. It's normal for people with this disorder to suffer from other anxiety disorders, including phobias or generalized anxiety disorder.

2. Be worried

It's normal to worry. However it can be helpful when we're prepping ourselves to respond in a dangerous situation. It can be a sign that you are anxious if it's persistent and interferes in your everyday life. If you find that worrying is keeping you from sleeping or preventing you from living your life to the fullest, it's time to get help.

It's hard to pinpoint what causes anxiety disorders. However, we know that stress and an imbalance in the chemical system of your brain are involved. This could be due to long-term exposure to stressful situations or from severe, chronic stress that changes the way your body processes chemicals like cortisol and dopamine. Certain individuals are more likely to develop anxiety disorders due to their genetic makeup or family background. If you've suffered abuse or trauma in the past, it could also trigger an anxiety disorder.

There are many ways to treat anxiety, such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments. It helps you learn to challenge distorted thoughts that cause anxiety. You could also benefit from other types of therapy, such as mindfulness, which can help you focus on the present moment.

It's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms get more serious. You can attempt to manage your symptoms by exercising, avoiding caffeine and getting enough rest. You can also use the Service Locator to locate health care services near you. If you're thinking of suicide contact the suicide hotline at 13 11 14 or visit a hospital. If you need support you can speak to a friend or family member or contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. For more information on anxiety and treatment options go to the Anxiety Australia website.

3. Physical symptoms

When anxiety is untreated, it can lead to various physical symptoms. It is common for people to be mistaken for having medical issues when they have these symptoms, which is why it is crucial to obtain a proper diagnosis. A medical professional will conduct a thorough exam to rule out any other conditions. They can also inquire about your mental health and daily activities.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but many of the common ones include headaches, shortness of breath and shakiness. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your therapist about them. They can teach you how to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, and help you reduce their impact on your life.

The body's fight or response to flight kicks in when you feel anxious, which can cause your heart rate to increase. This is because the adrenal glands transmit signals to the heart to pump blood faster in anticipation of the possibility of a potentially dangerous situation. This can also make you breathe faster and that's why some people experience an uncomfortable feeling in the chest or sensation that they're not getting enough oxygen.

The feeling of sweating is another typical symptom of anxiety. It can be due to the fight or flight response, which boosts the sweat glands' activity throughout the body. This can lead to pit stains and sweaty palms and the feeling of being overheated according to NIMH.

Anxiety can also lead to a dry mouth, which makes it difficult to speak or swallow. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine it is uncomfortable and may even cause chokes. People with anxiety can also experience a sense of not being capable of breathing and this can be frightening and cause panic.

Changes in the digestive system such as diarrhea or constipation are some of the most serious symptoms of anxiety. Stress hormones can trigger acid reflux and can affect digestion. Other possible symptoms are pins and needles on the hands or feet which could indicate that your nervous system is over-excited.

4. Isolation

While everyone experiences anxiety at times those with an anxiety disorder have an overt and constant anxiety or fear that can disrupt daily life and causes physical symptoms. It could be related to something specific (such as an attack of panic) or in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about the vast majority of daily situations.

In addition to being anxious, death anxiety symptoms can cause several other physical symptoms, including dizziness, a pounding heart chest pain, or shortness of breath. It can also cause emotional symptoms, including anxiety that is accompanied by a sense that everything is out of control. Anxiety symptoms can also be felt by those with chronic health conditions, like diabetes and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

People with anxiety disorders typically avoid situations that trigger their symptoms, leading them to feel lonely. This can lead depression, which is often co-occurring with anxiety. People with a family history of anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for having them themselves as are those who have experienced traumatizing childhood or adulthood, or possess certain personality traits (such as shyness). High levels of daily stress can also increase the likelihood that someone will develop an anxiety disorder.

Effective treatment for anxiety is readily available despite the multitude of causes. Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy", and medications are effective for the majority of people with anxiety. Talk therapy can help a person learn different ways to think and react and reduce anxiety. Medications can be used to alleviate symptoms for a short time or over a long time.

A doctor can help people who want to improve their health. The doctor will request a full medical history and conduct a physical examination. The doctor will assess the patient's symptoms and the way they impact their lives. There are no laboratory tests that can help diagnose anxiety disorders. The provider will also consult Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the most commonly used guide to diagnose mental illness.