Unusual Symptoms of Anxiety You Might Not Realize Are Affecting You

Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders, impacting almost a third of adults in the U.S. at some point during their lifetime. However, many people struggling with anxiety do not seek treatment, and some of these may not do so because they don't actually recognize that they have it. While some symptoms are easily recognized, like excessive worry, others can be difficult to spot. For example, did you know that memory loss can be an anxiety symptom? Below we'll take a closer look at common (and uncommon) symptoms of anxiety.

Introduction to Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Unusual anxiety symptoms can often be overlooked, but recognizing them is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.

Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person, and understanding the common and lesser-known symptoms can help individuals seek help and manage their condition.

The Fight or Flight Response

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and is often experienced during difficult times or major life changes. When stress is present, the body's stress response is triggered by the sympathetic nervous system, more commonly known as the fight-or-flight response.

The fight-or-flight response is the body’s natural response to perceived threats, which can cause physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. This response prepares the body to fight or flee from danger but can also cause anxiety symptoms when it is triggered unnecessarily or becomes dysregulated.

Understanding the role of the fight-or-flight response can help you recognize and manage anxiety symptoms, while implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce the fight-or-flight response.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that are characterized by excessive worry, fear, or anxiety. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia). When anxiety symptoms impact everyday life and relationships, they may be diagnosed as anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy, medication, and self-care and can be managed with the right treatment options. Mental health professionals can help individuals develop a treatment plan to address their unique needs and symptoms.

Common Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms can be physical, emotional, or cognitive, and may range from mild to severe. Some common anxiety symptoms include:

• Heart palpitations
• Excessive worry
• Racing thoughts
• Irritability
• Anxious thoughts
• Trouble paying attention
• Sleep problems
• Panic attacks

Lesser Known Symptoms of Anxiety

Lesser-known symptoms of anxiety can be just as debilitating as common symptoms but are often overlooked. The more unusual anxiety symptoms include physical sensations, cognitive changes, or emotional symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Cold hands
• Memory loss
• Intrusive thoughts
• Dissociation or feeling detached
• Jaw pain (from clenching)
• Irrational thoughts

Recognizing these other symptoms can help individuals seek help and manage their anxiety disorder. Mental health professionals can go over different treatments that can address unique symptoms and needs.

Gastrointestinal Issues and Anxiety

Gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be caused or exacerbated by anxiety. Anxiety can affect the digestive system in a variety of ways, triggering symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Managing anxiety can help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, and vice versa. Individuals with anxiety and gastrointestinal issues should seek help from a mental health professional and a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Stress, Anxiety and Daily Life

Anxiety can affect daily life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities. Individuals with anxiety may avoid certain situations or activities due to fear or anxiety, which can impact relationships, lead to missed opportunities, cause social isolation, and negatively impact overall well-being. Untreated anxiety disorder can also lead to the development of other conditions like depression.

Managing anxiety can help individuals regain control over their daily lives and improve their mental health. With the right treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and live a fulfilling life.

Stress Management Techniques for Anxiety

Breathing techniques such as deep belly breathing can help reduce anxiety symptoms by slowing down the heart rate and promoting relaxation. These techniques can be used anywhere and at any time, making them a convenient and effective way to manage anxiety.

Breathing techniques can also help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat and chest tightness. Regular practice of breathing techniques can help most people develop greater calm and relaxation in their daily lives.

Certain grounding and mindfulness activities can help as well. Some practices that can reset the nervous system response include:

• Meditation
• Yoga stretches
• Tai chi
• Splashing cold water on the face
• Journaling
• The 5-4-3-2-1 method

Managing Anxiety

Managing anxiety requires a comprehensive approach that includes therapy, self-care, and lifestyle changes. Individuals can manage their anxiety by developing a treatment plan with a mental health professional, practicing relaxation techniques, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Healthy lifestyle habits can help to build mental resilience and guard against stress triggers. Some protective mental health practices include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Maintaining strong social connections
• Spending time in nature
• Getting regular physical activity
• Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol

With the right treatment and self-care, individuals can manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Seeking Help for Anxiety

Seeking help for anxiety is the first step towards managing symptoms and improving mental health. Individuals can seek help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, who can provide a diagnosis and develop treatment options.

Treatment options for the emotional, physical, and mental symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Talk therapy (most commonly some form of cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy)
• Lifestyle changes
• Group therapy/support groups
• Mindfulness training
• Medication to address balance of brain chemicals

Support groups and online resources can also provide valuable information and support for individuals with anxiety. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and individuals should not hesitate to reach out for support when they need it.

Building Awareness of Anxiety Symptoms and Behaviors in Coral Gables, FL

Awareness of the mental, emotional, and physical symptoms of anxiety disorders can help you get the help you need when you're struggling. Most people understand feelings of worry or fear, but are often unfamiliar with other issues that are related to anxiety, such as lack of sleep, aches and pains, or stomach problems. Anxiety makes life more difficult, but with help it is very treatable.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Coral Gables psychotherapists allows you to work with a trained professional that can create a treatment plan and offers a variety of practical strategies, healthy coping skills, and effective techniques that will allow you to reduce the anxiety you experience. They can also treat depression or any other co-occurring conditions.

If you've been thinking about seeking help for unexplained symptoms, reach out to our customer service coordinator to get matched with a mental health care professional who specializes in managing anxiety. Remember, anxiety is highly treatable, and seeking help is the first step toward reducing symptoms, gaining a sense of control, and living your life the way you want.