Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone feels now and then. However, anxiety disorders are a type of mental health condition that goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through your day and can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can resemble symptoms of a heart attack or another health emergency. If you’re experiencing an anxiety attack for the first time, or you’re concerned in any way about your health, call 911 or head to the nearest ER.
Anxiety feels different for everyone, and you might experience some of the physical and mental effects listed below, as well as effects in other areas of your life:
Effects of anxiety on your body:
- A churning feeling in your stomach
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Pins and needles
- Feeling restless or unable to sit still
- Headaches, backache, or other aches and pains
- Faster breathing
- A fast, thumping, or irregular heartbeat
- Sweating or hot flushes
- Sleep problems
- Grinding your teeth, especially at night
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Needing the toilet more or less often
- Changes in your sex drive
- Having panic attacks
Effects of anxiety on your mind:
- Feeling tense, nervous, or unable to relax
- Having a sense of dread, or fearing the worst
- Feeling like the world is speeding up or slowing down
- Feeling like other people can see youre anxious and are looking at you
- Feeling like you cant stop worrying, or that bad things will happen if you stop worrying
- Worrying about anxiety itself, for example worrying about when panic attacks might happen
Several types of anxiety disorders exist, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders. If youre experiencing symptoms of anxiety over a long period of time, you may have an anxiety disorder. You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress.
