Physical Signs of Anxiety by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress or a perceived threat. In small amounts, anxiety can be helpful and keep an individual safe, but if the anxiety is severe or frequent, it can have a major impact on an individual’s life.
In addition to persistent worried thoughts, the individual might experience physical signs of anxiety, which can include (DSM 2017):
Feeling restless
Feeling on edge
Trouble concentrating
Feeling tired or fatigued
Trouble forming thoughts
Experiencing tension in the body
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Why does it matter?
Physical symptoms of anxiety can be distressing and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are strategies that can assist. If anxiety is ignored or avoided, it could have potential consequences, such as:
Medical Concerns: Although not an official diagnosis, 1 in 5 adults experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which includes stomach pain, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. It’s suspected that stress is one risk factor for IBS. Interestingly, 50-90% of people with IBS have anxiety or depression (ADAA). One study (Senaratne et al., 2010) found that 67% of individuals with an anxiety disorder experienced migraine headaches and 36.5% of those individuals reported an improvement in their headaches when their anxiety was treated.
Daily Life: Over time, the physical symptoms of anxiety can take a toll and make experiences difficult at work, school, in relationships, and how the individual takes care of themself.
References:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.). https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs. ;
Senaratne, R., Van Ameringen, M., Mancini, C., Patterson, B., & Bennett, M. (2010). The Prevalence of Migraine Headaches in an Anxiety Disorders Clinic Sample. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 16(2), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2009.00103.x ;
You don’t have to do this alone. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
(NOTE: This video was filmed when my office was at a previous location. I am now in Irvine, CA)
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.
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