One in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, and eight in 100 people experience a combination of anxiety and depression in a given week. Anxiety is more common than you think and the symptoms are not limited to worry, restlessness and dread. Anxiety can manifest physically.
Kemmy Gichaba, renowned osteopath and founder of Holistic Impact to find out the six physical signs that you might be experiencing anxiety.
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sleeping problems
Lack of sleep can indicate anxiety in several ways.
Kemmy said: «Have Sleeping problems either waking up several times during the night either not feeling rested when he wakes up they are symptoms of anxiety».
The NHS site lists insomnia as a physical symptom of generalized anxiety disorder, so if you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you should look into it.
your jaw
The NHS site says that muscle aches, tension and dry mouth they are physical signs that you feel anxious.
Kemmy said: «Clenching or grinding your jaw during the day or night It could be due to anxiety.
This is also known as bruxism and can cause facial pain, headaches, worn teeth, ear pain, and sleep disturbances.
Visit a dentist to look for signs of teeth grinding; you may be prescribed a mouth guard or splint.
Alternatively, you can try muscle relaxation exercises or cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
Headaches
Headaches are related to most of the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.
Kemmy said: «The lack of sleep, overthinking, tense shoulders due to fear or dread, and tension in the upper back are symptoms of anxiety and can translate into Headaches«.
Most of the time, these headaches will be tension-type headaches that go away within a few hours, but they can last for several days.
if you have headaches several times a week or if they are severe, you should see a doctor.
Digestive problems
People often say that they feel anxiety in the stomach or intestineand this is not false.
Anxiety and worry can upset the balance of digestion, slowing it down or speeding it up too much.
This can lead to either end of the scale: bloating, constipation and pain, or diarrhea and frequent trips to the bathroom.
Kemmy explained: “When you constantly worry, you can develop a nervous digestive system.
«This can translate to stomach pains, IBS, acid reflux and diarrhea.»
Difficulty breathing
Panic attacks are characterized by a short, shallow breathing What is it hard to controland general anxiety is similar.
The NHS lists shortness of breath and a noticeably strong, rapid, or irregular heartbeat as symptoms of anxiety.
Kemmy said: “One of the main symptoms I experienced with anxiety was holding my breath and not breathing properly.
Or, you may find that your breathing is shallow and you feel like you can’t take a deep breath. «You may also feel pressure in your chest.»
Avoid or change plans
While your social life is not a physical symptom, if you avoid or change plans all the timeyou and others can physically notice it.
Kemmy said: “If you are anxious, you may find yourself making excuses not to meet friends because it triggers anxiety.
«Or you can do things like change your way home to avoid spaces that cause you anxiety».
The NHS website adds: “Your symptoms may cause you to withdraw from social contact (seeing family and friends) to avoid feelings of worry and fear.
“You may also find it difficult and stressful to go to work, and you may take time off due to illness.
«These actions can make you worry about yourself even more and increase your lack of self-esteem.»