What is Anxiety? 

Anxiety is a feeling that makes you worry or feel uneasy. It's like having an alarm in your head that goes off even when nothing is wrong. When this alarm goes off, your mind and body start to change. Your thoughts start to race, it’s hard to control your worry and it’s difficult to concentrate. You also notice that your body starts to feel funny and your heart starts to race, your palms get sweaty and you might get a stomach or headache. It's normal to experience anxiety or worry but if you experience anxiety a lot and it gets in the way of your life, it might be an anxiety disorder. 

Can Anxiety Affect Health Problems?

The short answer is yes. Anxiety can affect your health in many ways. The ways anxiety affects your physical health are not so simple. Even though it contributes to health issues, it’s not the only cause. There are many factors such as genetics, lifestyles, pre-existing health conditions, and environmental factors. 

Although anxiety can have negative impacts on your health, the good news is that it is treatable! You can treat and manage anxiety through interventions such as therapy, medication, stress-reduction techniques, and lifestyle changes. 

What are the Effects of Anxiety on the Body?

Anxiety can impact more than your mood. Because anxiety triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, which is a natural reaction to perceived threat or danger, it can cause or worsen physical health problems. Ongoing anxiety can result in physical symptoms and health issues. The physical effects of anxiety differ from person to person. Some people experience these symptoms more than others based on many factors such as genetics and environment.

Here is a List of Some of the Effects of Anxiety on the Body.

• Cardiovascular Concerns: Anxiety can lead to an increase in heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Chronic anxiety can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

• Respiratory Symptoms: When you are anxious, your breathing can become rapid and shallow. In some cases, this can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or hyperventilation. 

• Muscle Tension: It’s common for anxiety to create muscle tension which leads to headaches, jaw clenching, and/or muscle pain. 

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Chronic anxiety can lead to stomach problems including stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Immune System Deficiency: When the body experiences long-term anxiety, the immune system can struggle over time. This can lead to an increase in infections and illnesses. 

• Sleep Problems: Sleep can be affected by anxiety in many ways, such as difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep. When you experience a lack of sleep, this can worsen anxiety and other health problems. 

• Appetite Changes: Anxiety can lead to changes in appetite such as overeating or undereating due to a loss of appetite.

• Skin Problems: Research shows that anxiety has been linked to skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Anxiety can also worsen existing skin conditions.

• Hormonal Changes: Ongoing anxiety can mess with our hormones which can affect the menstrual cycle in females. It can also create hormonal imbalances in all humans. 

What Happens if Anxiety is Left Untreated?

If anxiety is left untreated over time, the physical symptoms can impact many different aspects of your life. It’s important to understand that feeling anxious is normal! If you experience ongoing anxiety and have the symptoms listed above, without treatment, it can result in negative outcomes in all areas of your life.

Below are some Potential Consequences of Untreated Anxiety:

• Impaired Quality of Life: Long-term anxiety can reduce your overall quality of life. It is hard to enjoy hobbies, connect with friends and family, and do well at work or school.

• Physical Health Issues: Long-term anxiety can contribute to a range of physical health problems, as mentioned in the previous response. These can include cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, a weakened immune system, and more.

• Mental Health Conditions: If you don’t address your anxiety symptoms, you might develop an anxiety disorder or another mental health disorder. Common anxiety disorders we see as therapists who treat anxiety include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder. 

• Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: It is common to turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope with anxiety. This can lead to abusing substances or developing an addiction. 

• Social Isolation/Loneliness: When you experience anxiety, it can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance of social situations. This can create feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Work and Academic Challenges: When anxiety is left untreated, it can be hard to perform well at your job or in school. Anxiety can lead to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and being productive.

• Increased Risk of Suicide: Generally, suicidal thoughts are associated with depression but they can also be linked to anxiety. When you have anxiety, you might feel overwhelmed, hopeless and feel like you are not able to cope with your symptoms which can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If you experience any of these thoughts, you are not alone. Contact the suicide helpline or local emergency room. 

6 Ways to Cope with the Health Impacts of Anxiety

1. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: There are many breathing and relaxation techniques you can try to help calm your nervous system and reduce the physical effects of anxiety. 

2. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, and exhale for a count of 8. 

3. Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and redirect your focus away from physical sensations and into the here and now. 

4. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to connect with your surroundings. Notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This can help shift your attention away from anxious thoughts and physical symptoms.

5. Physical Activity: Participating in regular physical activity can help manage anxiety and its physical symptoms. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous. Pick an activity you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing. If you haven’t moved in a while, set realistic expectations to start with 5 minutes a few times a week! 

6. Healthy Lifestyle Habits: You can prioritize your self-care and reduce anxiety by changing a few things in your life. 

   • Get enough sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (go to sleep and wake up at the same time).

   • Balanced diet: Eat a well-rounded diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Do your best to limit caffeine and sugary foods because they can increase anxiety.

   • Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Carrying a water bottle with you can help you to remember to drink enough water! 

   • Limit alcohol and nicotine: These substances can worsen anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety Treatment in Ann Arbor, MI Can Help:

When these self-care activities don’t feel like enough to reduce anxiety and manage the physical symptoms, it can be helpful to seek counseling from an anxiety therapist. There is no shame in seeking a mental health professional. Here at Embodied Wellness, PLCC, our anxiety therapists are trained to help you identify your goals, what is getting in the way of your ideal life, and find ways to get you there! To get started with anxiety treatment at our practice follow the steps below:

1. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation.

2. Speak with a caring anxiety therapist.

3. Free yourself of your anxiety.

Other Services Offered at Embodied Wellness in Ann Arbor, Detroit and throughout Michigan

Our compassionate and understanding therapists offer a variety of services and specialties besides anxiety treatment. This includes depression therapy, OCD treatment and ERP therapy, empath therapy, Trauma Therapy and PTSD Treatment. We also utilize EMDR therapy and Internal Family Systems as part of our techniques. All of these online therapy services are available for teenagers, adolescents, and adults. Incluso ofrecemos terapia en español en Detroit y en todo Michigan. Begin taking control of your anxiety at our Detroit-based practice today!