What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety?
- Mar 4, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by: Luna Kalm, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to experience stress and apprehension. However, when these feelings become overwhelming and interfere with daily life, they may be indicative of an anxiety disorder. Understanding the signs and symptoms of anxiety is crucial for recognising when professional help may be needed.
Anxiety symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting both the mind and body. While everyone experiences anxiety differently, there are common indicators to be aware of. This article will outline symptoms of anxiety and what you can do if you notice these in yourself.
Excessive worry or overthinking
One of the hallmark signs of anxiety is persistent and excessive worrying about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, or health. This worry may be disproportionate to the actual situation and difficult to control.
It is characterised by rumination of thoughts and overthinking. Thoughts are spiralling round and round in your head, and you cannot let them go. Worrying causes anxiety if there is no solution to the problem or if you are unable to control the outcome.
Often, people will worry about the future. It could be about something specific like a doctor’s appointment, exam results or a job interview, but you won’t know the answer until the day comes. It could equally be about something more generalised such as the future health and wealth of their loved ones. These are all forms of excessive worry over things that cannot be controlled.
Learning to let go of thoughts and observe them is key to reducing worry and the symptoms of anxiety that come with it. It is a skill that can be learned with the right tools and guidance.
Physical symptoms
People are not always aware of the link between mental and physical health. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms that can be felt throughout the body. Sometimes the symptoms are acute, meaning they last for a short time. On the other hand, they can be chronic, meaning they last for much longer.
Acute symptoms of anxiety can include:
Muscle Tension
Sweating
Dizziness or Light-headedness
Nausea or Change in Appetite
Shortness of Breath
These can all be very uncomfortable and cause more stress for the individual if they are not aware of what is happening. It is important to know that this is the fight or flight response from the body and it is normal to feel like this when triggered by stress.
Chronic symptoms of anxiety occur when the body has been in a state of fight or flight mode for too long, with no chance to rest.
Chronic anxiety symptoms can include:
Muscle Aches & Pains
Inflammation in the Body
Weakened Immune Response
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Digestion Issues
Frequent Headaches or Migraines
These symptoms can be treated individually, but the root cause is anxiety. Once the anxiety is reduced, the body can enter the “rest and digest” state and finally begin to repair.
Changes in behaviour
Individuals with anxiety may exhibit changes in behaviour. Depending on how well they mask, you may not notice right away, but over time it may become more apparent as the person becomes more overwhelmed.
Signs of anxiety to look for include:
Avoidance: Avoiding certain situations or activities that trigger anxiety.
Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to concentrate or focus on tasks.
Poor memory: Forgetting things more than usual.
Restlessness: Feeling on edge or restless, unable to relax or sit still.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
Change in Eating Habits: Increase or decrease in food consumption or change in food choices.
Low Mood & Depression: Feeling low and apathetic or hopeless
If you notice these signs of anxiety in yourself, try to take some time to rest and relax. Breathing techniques and meditations are powerful tools to help the body escape from “fight or flight” mode so you can begin to recover.
Emotional symptoms
Anxiety can heavily impact our emotions and how we react or respond to situations. It can cause a much higher level of irritability and an inability to manage emotions effectively. Often, we can take out stress on those closest to us, so it’s important to recognise when this is happening so you can create space to help yourself unwind and calm down.
Emotional changes in anxiety include:
Irritability: Feeling easily irritable or on edge.
Fear: Experiencing intense fear or panic attacks in response to perceived threats.
Feeling Overwhelmed: Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks or responsibilities.
Teariness: Crying much more easily over smaller things.
Reactivity: Having a shorter fuse in stressful situations and more extreme reactions in the moment.
When stressed or anxious it is harder to regulate our emotions. Imagine a pressure cooker. If you don’t let the steam out it just builds and builds, so the smallest thing can make it explode. That’s why setting time aside for yourself to rest and relax is so important when it comes to managing stress and anxiety.
Allow yourself space to release some of that pressure so you’re less overwhelmed and more able to tackle daily stressors.
What to do if you notice these symptoms?
Recognising these symptoms is the first step towards seeking help and managing anxiety effectively. It's essential to remember that anxiety disorders are treatable, and seeking support from a healthcare professional or therapist can make a significant difference in improving quality of life.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of anxiety is crucial for early intervention and effective management. By recognising the physical, behavioural, and emotional indicators of anxiety, individuals can take proactive steps towards seeking support and regaining control over their mental health. Remember, you're not alone, and help is available for those struggling with anxiety symptoms.
Mental health coaching is one of the best avenues to combat anxiety and begin your healing process. Medication is not a long-term solution and does not address the root cause of anxiety. Conventional therapy does not always teach the longer-term solutions that can be used in any situation.
Hiring a coach allows you to learn valuable tools that can be used for the rest of your life and to rewire your brain so you are no longer suffering with your mental health. It also offers you a space to talk through your problems with additional support and goal-focused solutions.
So if you’re noticing these signs of anxiety and ready to heal, contact Luna Kalm at support@lunakalmcoaching.com for a free call to get started.
Luna Kalm, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Luna Kalm is a leader in mental health, related physical symptoms, and healing the mind and body naturally. She was previously diagnosed with depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia. After many years of suffering, Luna was finally able to heal herself through coaching, fitness, proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. Her purpose is to share her knowledge with other people, empowering them to do the same, and guiding them to their best health.
