Studies show that millions of American adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point, making them the most pervasive of all mental health disorders. We all experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry from time to time. For example, you might have anxiety over a medical appointment or worry about paying a bill on time. However, once the stress-inducing event has passed, the body’s hormones return to normal, and those feelings pass. Those feelings remain constant for individuals with anxiety disorders and can worsen over time, becoming intrusive and disruptive to daily life. When this happens, an anxiety treatment program can provide relief.
At Harmony Hills, we provide holistic and evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety. To learn more about our anxiety treatment program options, contact us at 855.494.0357.
What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?
The mental and emotional symptoms of anxiety are commonly understood, but anxiety also has numerous physical symptoms. Individuals who have untreated anxiety can be unaware of the connection between their anxiety and their physical symptoms and worry that something is medically wrong, which adds to the stress and anxiety they experience. Anxiety manifests itself differently for everyone, but the following are some commonly reported physical symptoms of anxiety:
- Frequent headaches
- Nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues
- Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and shortness of breath
- Tremors, twitches, and restlessness
- Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness
- Unexplained pain
- Suppressed immune system
Anxiety causes a release of the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels are constantly stimulated, as with anxiety disorders, it affects the body in numerous ways. When you have an anxiety disorder, the physical symptoms can manifest even when you are not in an anxiety-producing situation or even when you may appear outwardly calm. Left untreated, the physical symptoms of anxiety can lead to long-term health issues. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, reach out to the anxiety treatment program at Harmony Hills.
The Psychological and Emotional Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety is part of our natural “fight or flight” response, designed to keep us alert so we can respond to real and present danger. When this system goes into overdrive or gets stuck, it can do more harm than good. In addition to the physical symptoms of anxiety, individuals can experience a range of psychological and emotional signs of anxiety, which can include:
- Uncontrollable over-thinking and racing thoughts
- Trouble concentrating
- Constant feelings of panic, dread, or impending doom
- Heightened alertness or jumpiness
- The need to escape a situation or environment
- Insomnia or feeling unable to turn off
- Dissociation
Dissociation is the feeling that you are disconnected from your body. Many people with anxiety disorders feel that they are witnessing what is happening around them without feeling it. It is common for individuals with anxiety disorders to experience panic attacks, which can be very intense and make people feel like they are dying. Learning to recognize the psychological and physical signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders is an essential first step toward getting professional treatment to help control your anxiety.
How to Deal with Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
If you are experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety, there are ways to help alleviate them:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Exercise regularly to reduce stress and tension in the body.
- Get enough sleep and establish healthy sleeping habits.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs that can worsen anxiety symptoms.
- Connect with a therapist or counselor to learn coping skills and manage anxiety triggers.
- Consider medication options prescribed by a mental health professional.
Don’t let anxiety control your daily life. Seek help from professionals who understand the complexities of anxiety disorders and can provide you with effective treatment options.
Reach Out to Harmony Hills to Learn More About Our Anxiety Treatment Program
The good news about anxiety disorders is that they respond very well to professional treatment. Through an anxiety treatment program at Harmony Hills, you can discover the underlying causes of your anxiety and receive the help and guidance needed to work through these issues. You will also learn the coping skills and other tools required to manage your symptoms and stop anxiety from controlling your life.
Many people with anxiety turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate when their symptoms feel overwhelming, resulting in a substance use disorder. At Harmony Hills, we treat dual diagnoses, giving clients the best chance for successful recovery. To learn more about the treatment options we offer, reach out to Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357.
