What Are the weird physical symptoms of anxiety (helpful resources)?

Anxiety is a disorder that can manifest in many ways. It's not the same for all. Any physical symptom that doesn't appear to have an obvious cause may be a sign of anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body releases hormones that can cause strange symptoms. Here are some of the strangest physical symptoms of anxiety:

1. Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations can be felt in the chest, throat or neck. They can cause your heart to feel as if it is racing or fluttering. They usually last for only a few minutes or seconds. The majority of times, heart palpitations don't indicate an issue with your heart unless they occur in times of tension or exercise. They can also be caused by certain medications, especially those that treat arrhythmias or high blood pressure.

It's normal to be anxious or nervous prior to a big presentation or a test, and it's also normal to be anxious when someone you love is sick. If you experience fear or dread constantly and it affects your daily life, then you could be suffering from anxiety disorder.

Anxiety triggers the release hormones within the body that aid in preparing us to fight or escape. These hormones can cause us to feel jittery, lightheaded, sweaty, or dizzy and trigger our heartbeats to beat faster. While occasional anxiety attacks are normal, those with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will experience these symptoms almost daily for at minimum six months.

You can lessen heart palpitations caused by situational stress through relaxation techniques and medications. But you should see your doctor if you have heart palpitations that don't have obvious triggers, or if you're concerned about an abnormal heart rhythm. In some instances your doctor may suggest that you get tests to determine the cause of your heart palpitations, including an electrocardiogram (ECG). They may also prescribe medications like beta blockers to regulate your heart rate and rhythm.

2. Breathing Shortness

If you feel breathless and sigh or feel a tightness in your chest, this could be an indication that your body has kicked into panic mode. "With anxiety, your body is constantly preparing itself to fight or fight," Zoe says. This can trigger your heart rate and breathing to increase in order to be more oxygenated, and pump more blood to your muscles, and so on.

This may cause a feeling of being out-of-breath or experiencing difficulty breathing. Many people suffering from anxiety suffer from this symptom. This can also be the sign of panic anxiety symptoms attacks. A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of terror and fear which can reach its peak within minutes.

It's important to be aware that chest pain could be a sign of a heart condition and, therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you're experiencing it. However, if your symptoms are triggered by anxiety, it's probable that they will diminish when the anxiety-inducing situation has passed.

Another unusual physical sign of anxiety is a ringing in your ears, referred to as tinnitus. It is typically a symptom of anxiety symptoms physical disorders. It may occur when your sympathetic nervous system is activated, per the NHS.

You might also notice dry mouth or feel that you are unable to take a drink when you're feeling anxious. This is due to your body's preference for sending fluids to the most important muscle groups to aid you in running or fight. This can also make your mouth dry and stale, which can cause bad breath. This symptom can also be helped by getting enough rest and drinking plenty of fluids and working out regularly.

3. Sweating

It's difficult to pinpoint which symptoms are anxiety-related. Some are mental, like a feeling of unease or nervousness, while others are physical, such as an increased heart rate and breathlessness. There are symptoms that can be both physical and mental such as hearing ringing in your ears or chest pain.

If you're experiencing a strange sensation, you should first determine if anxiety might be the cause. Anxiety can mimic other health conditions such as headaches. It's important to rule them out prior to making any assumptions.

According to NIMH, the body's response to anxiety is often controlled by the nervous system. The nervous system controls involuntary processes like breathing and heartbeat. This response is activated by fear or worry that sends signals to the adrenal glands that cause them to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This is an evolutionary mechanism designed to protect us against dangers or life-threatening circumstances.

But, if your brain is constantly mulling over unfounded fears or worries about future failure, embarrassment, illness or loss the hormones may become out of control and trigger anxiety symptoms. This may include sweating and can cause pits and stains on your palms that appear wet or are covered in a sticky substance, and a build-up of bacteria on the skin, causing bad smells.

There are a variety of ways to manage these strange physical symptoms of anxiety. The key is to distract yourself by focusing on something other. "This is a good way to end the cycle of symptoms and stop the spiral," Dr. Barsky says. Take a few deep breaths, a task that helps you relax (like reading or listening to music) or engaging in some light exercise, like walking.

4. Muscle moves

The zings, fizzles and ever-so-light thumps of muscle twitching are odd and can be disturbing, especially when they occur all over the body. They can occur and disappear by themselves, or persist for a few days or even weeks. These odd spasms, regardless of whether they are a minor localized twitch, or generalized ones that involve multiple muscles or groups of muscles are often thought to be one of the weird symptoms of anxiety.

The muscle twitching that occurs in the presence of anxiety is typically caused by the release of neurotransmitters, chemical that "tell" your muscles to move. This happens because anxiety triggers the nervous system's stress response. To deal with stress, your body releases these neurotransmitters.

The twitching of your muscles is not an indication that you're suffering from any serious illness. The twitching of muscles is more common than many believe, and it can be caused by all sorts of things including stress, caffeine to exercise that is strenuous. If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as fatigue or muscle weakness it is crucial to see a doctor to ensure there isn’t a more severe issue.

The best method to decrease the muscle twitching caused by anxiety is getting more rest and drinking more water. Also, you should consume a diet that is rich in magnesium, as this mineral is known to help relax your muscles and ease the twitching. In addition, it is beneficial to practice relaxation techniques, like progressive muscle relaxation. This method involves tensing each muscle group starting at your head, then moving to your feet.

5. Headaches

If you feel headache pain or feel of pressure around the eyes and head it could be an indication of anxiety. When you're stressed you feel your muscles tense, especially in your neck and shoulders. Stress and hormonal changes can lead to muscles to become tighter, which can cause migraines or headaches. Strange sensations such as tingling, numbness and pins and needles can also be linked to anxiety. They usually occur in the extremities but can occur anyplace. They're normally a result of muscle tension or hyperventilation however they can also be caused by certain foods, medications or anxiety symptoms chest pain itself.

If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently you should visit your doctor. Your doctor will determine if the symptoms are anxiety or something else, such as stomach viruses or another health issue.

In certain instances your doctor might prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help ease these strange physical symptoms. A better night's sleep can lessen anxiety symptoms. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises can also be beneficial.

Anxiety can trigger a variety of unusual and unexpected physical symptoms. Learning about them and understanding that they are a symptom can help you manage these symptoms. It's normal to be worried about things that are causing anxiety however, if these concerns become a problem in your daily life or become chronic it's a good idea to consult your doctor. They'll be able to help you deal with your anxiety and get you back on the right track. Good luck!