Anxiety - how can it impact your body?
By: Vaishnika Pagadala
First let’s understand What is Anxiety and Who Can Experience Anxiety
Anxiety could be a feeling of nervousness or dread that often occurs in stressful situations or even without any triggers. For instance, you might feel anxiety when facing heavy workload and deadlines or before making an important decision or before a doctor’s appointment. Everyone may face anxiety at some point in their lives, from children and teens to adults. However, if you start to notice symptoms on a daily basis, then it is the time to seek help for sure.
Prolonged anxiety can have a lasting impact on your body.
Excessive anxiety can lead to anxiety disorders and start to interfere with your daily activities. Individuals might lose confidence and self-esteem. You would be less likely to take up challenging tasks, your diet along with your physical and mental health could be affected negatively. It is quite important to get treatment for chronic anxiety because your symptoms —such as fatigue, nausea, trouble sleeping, and trouble focusing— as well as your health —including existing conditions such as migraines, diabetes, and heart conditions— could quickly deteriorate.
Some of the physical effects of anxiety include:
Rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, which can both strain the heart and increase the risk of a cardiovascular disease.
Stomach cramps, nausea, and bloating can worsen other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome .
A decrease white blood cells, reduce the body’s resistance to infections, which weakens the immune system slowly. This makes individuals more likely to get sick.
Negative effect on sleeping habits, making it difficult for individuals to sleep, or making individuals feel fatigued constantly.
Let us help you
In the US alone, the number of adolescents and youth experiencing anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate. Children and Family Guidance Center aims to support everyone through compassionate, quality care. Our holistic care provides customized treatment depending on your situation and our Priority Care includes Walk-ins, which allow you to quickly get help without having to wait for months for an appointment. It’s okay to have anxiety - you are not alone. We are here for you. To make an appointment, give us a call at 214.351.3490.
Citations:
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Lindberg, S. (n.d.). 10 answers to common questions about dealing with anxiety. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/answers-to-commonly-asked-questions-about-anxiety-2018-1 2#how-do-i-know-if-i-am-experiencing-anxiety-2
Cherney, K. (2023, November 13). Effects of anxiety on the body. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/effects-on-body#central-nervous-system
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, June 27). Stress sickness: Stress and your immune system. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-when-your-immune-system-gets-stressed-out
Stress and your kidneys. National Kidney Foundation. (2024, August 13). https://www.kidney.org/kidney-health/stress-and-your-kidneys