The term “mental illness” is a little bit misleading, in my opinion. Yes, mental conditions are all due to what’s happening in your mind, but they also affect so much more than that. Despite common misconceptions, a huge chunk of the symptoms created by mental disorders are physical.
Although you may have felt one or many of these things before, you may not have known that they were linked to your mental condition. Here are 6 physical symptoms you could be experiencing because of anxiety.
1. Stomach Issues
Stomach pain or nausea are common signs of anxiety, yet often people don’t even realize that they’re related. The discomfort that you can feel can range from very mild to so extreme that you feel you might need to see a doctor. Along with that, anxiety can also make you need to visit the toilet more often than usual.
2. Numbness
Feeling this sensation because of your anxiety is so common that people have now begun using the term “anxiety numbness.” This can be felt in many different areas of the body, as well as in many different ways. The most common way that people experience this is with numbness in their hands and feet. As well as that, it can also make you feel pins and needles in these places.
3. Dry Mouth
It may surprise you to know that your mental wellbeing and your mouth are very closely linked. Because of that, many people experience ulcers or sores because of stress or other issues. One of the most common occurrences for people with anxiety, however, is dry mouth.
4. Skin Problems
Anxiety can have a huge effect on your skin. When you’re under a lot of stress, your body releases cortisol to heighten your blood sugar levels and give you energy. Because of that, you can end up with some terrible skin problems due to an excess of these hormones. During particularly stressful periods, you can have flare-ups of acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
5. Heart Palpitations
When you’re having a panic attack, one of the most common symptoms that most people experience is a racing heartbeat. This is sometimes so severe for sufferers that many of them think that they’re having a heart attack. However, you don’t need to be having a full-blown panic attack to experience this. Even mild anxiety is enough to get your heart racing and beating too hard.
6. Chills
Although many sufferers of anxiety get sweaty because of their condition, others experience the exact opposite. You can become increasingly cold for no apparent reason because of stress and anxiety. Most people won’t even put 2 and 2 together and will assume that they’re just cold without a cause.
Dealing with these symptoms is extremely difficult and physically draining for anyone. When they occur, the best thing that you can do is take deep breaths to calm your nerves. Along with that, remember to always visit your doctor to ask for their opinion.
Do you know someone who suffers from anxiety or severe stress? Share this article with them to warn them of the physical symptoms of their condition.
