Effects Of Anxiety On The Body

Anxiety has a significant effect on the body and in long-term anxiety, it increases the risk of developing chronic physical conditions. It is a fact that worrying can affect the body in various ways because when we start worrying about something and it becomes excessive, can lead to feelings of high anxiety and even cause one to be physically and mentally ill. Anxiety is a normal fight response of the body which triggered under pressure or in a very challenging situation.

Anxiety has become a normal part of everybody’s life as we feel anxious either before the exam, in a job interview, or giving a presentation. In the short term, anxiety increases your breathing and heart rate, which concentrate blood flow to your brain. This is a physical response where an individual prepares herself or himself to face an intense situation. Based on situations if it gets too intense, you might feel lightheaded and nauseous; Whereas an excessive state of anxiety can have a devastating effect on your physical and mental health.

Some of the ways that anxiety affects the body include:

1. Breathing and respiratory changes- During periods of anxiety, an individual’s breathing may become rapid and shallow which is termed hyperventilation. During this time it allows the lungs to take more oxygen and quickly transport it around the body which helps the body prepare to fight. Thus, sometimes hyperventilation can make people feel like they are not getting enough oxygen and they may gasp for breath which can worsen hyperventilation and its symptoms includes- weakness, feeling faint, dizziness, tingling, light-headedness.
2. Immune system- Anxiety can trigger the immune system’s response and release a flood of chemicals and hormones like adrenaline, into your system. Cortisol prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation and it turns off aspects of the immune system that fight infections, impairing the body’s natural immune response. People with chronic anxiety disorders may be more likely to get the symptoms which include cold, flu, and other types of infection.
3. Excretory and digestive systems- Anxiety also affects in excretory and digestive systems of individuals as one may have nausea, diarrhea, stomachaches, and other digestive issues. Loss of appetite is also found during this time.
4. Cardiovascular system- Anxiety also affects the risk of coronary events especially those who are already suffering from heart disease because it can cause rapid heart rate, chest pain, and palpitations, and also it may be at an increased risk of high blood pressure.
5. Panic disorder- Panic attacks may occur at any time. One can also have another type of anxiety along with the panic disorder. It causes panic attacks, spontaneous feelings of anxiety due to which physical symptoms includes chest pain and shortness of breath can also be found amongst individuals.

Thus, treatment of anxiety depends on person to person as to how severe they are. Medication and therapy are the two main treatments for anxiety if an individual experiences physical symptoms. One can fight anxiety by including exercise in his daily routine so that it can help to reduce stress and improve physical health. People who are suffering from anxiety should avoid alcohol, caffeine as any of these can make anxiety worst. Meditation and Yoga can also benefit as these techniques are considered safe also that can help our body relax.