We all feel anxious or nervous at times, like before a speech or a big test. However, if these feelings become chronic and interfere with day-to-day life, it might be worth reaching out to a therapist or psychiatrist.

Experts believe that anxiety is an inbuilt response to help us stay safe. It can trigger a heightened state of physical arousal, preparing us to respond to a threat or danger.

Worry and Fear

Occasional bouts of fear and worry are a natural part of being human. They help to keep us alert and ready to react to any danger. But sometimes these feelings become excessive and interfere with our day-to-day lives. This is when it is time to get treatment.

The main difference between anxiety and fear is that anxiety is about a possible threat in the future, not something that is happening right now. For example, if you were walking down the street at night and someone suddenly points a gun at you, then you would experience real fear. But if you are worried about having to sit an exam or have a medical test, then this is more likely anxiety.

There are lots of ways to treat anxiety. These include psychotherapy, exposure response prevention and medication.

Tension

When a person is under stress, their body and brain go into a “fight or flight” response. This is to prepare them for a threat they may encounter in the environment. Normally, this is a short-lived reaction to a specific concern.

However, when this short-term warning system lingers for longer than it should, it becomes anxiety. Usually, this happens when someone’s life is full of constant demands such as a demanding job or caring for children.

One consequence of this is muscle tension, which can cause a range of symptoms such as twitching, "clamping up," and pain. This is a key symptom of many anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Muscle tension can also be exacerbated by stimulants like caffeine or certain medications.

Irritability

It’s normal to feel anxious when faced with a new or challenging situation, but when this anxiety becomes debilitating and prevents you from living your life normally it’s time to seek help.

Anxiety triggers a “fight or flight” response, which is designed to prepare the body for danger by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It also makes you tense and jittery. This arousal is short-lived and is meant to be a temporary warning system to keep you alive.

People who have undiagnosed anxiety are quick to anger and often lash out at people or situations that don’t deserve it. Keeping a diary to record when and why you become irritable can help you identify anxiety triggers and work with a therapist to address them.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common symptom of anxiety, and it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep. This can make you feel tired and irritable, which can then feed back into your anxiety.

This vicious circle can become overwhelming and cause you to avoid sleeping, which can lead to further problems with your mental health. It is important to seek treatment for both your anxiety and insomnia.

A licensed professional counselor can help you reveal any underlying stressors that may be contributing to your insomnia. Once these are addressed, you should find that sleep improves. Medications such as paroxetine (Paxil) or amitriptyline (Elavil) can also be used to help treat insomnia. If you are struggling to get a good night’s rest, please contact us to learn more about how we can help.

Physical Symptoms

During stressful times, the sympathetic nervous system causes your heart to beat faster so it can pump more blood to your major muscles to help you escape or fight off a threat. But if your heart goes into overdrive on a regular basis, it can leave you feeling tired and worn out, per the Mayo Clinic.

Your body also might clench your jaw or feel tight in your stomach or chest, and you may sweat more. Your muscle tension might turn into pain if it continues for long periods of time.

People who have health anxiety often notice a sensation or hear about a disease in the news, then start scanning their own bodies for symptoms, which can include dizziness, stomachaches, tingling in the hands and feet, and a rapid heartbeat. They often rely on reassurance from doctors or frequent visits to the ER and urgent care to find relief from their concerns.