Understanding the most commonly overlooked symptoms of anxiety
Many people think of anxiety as always feeling on edge, being unable to relax, rest or sleep well, of being fearful or worrying all the time.
However, in addition to these signs/symptoms, those who experience anxiety also may struggle with
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Inability to make decisions
Irritability
Fatigue
Headaches
Muscle aches
Abdominal pain/discomfort
When experiencing anxiety, there is a physical reaction that occurs within the body. The brain immediately sets into motion protective mechanisms against the “threat to livelihood that we experience.” When the brain receives stress signals, the adrenal gland releases adrenaline and cortisol. Release of these hormones helps to protect the body; heart rate increases, blood flow is redirected to major organs and muscle groups, conserving energy supplies, and glucose supplies are increased. The body is on alert to “fight or flee” whatever is causing distress.
These physical responses are positive and keep us safe in the short term but long-term exposure to stress and elevated levels of stress hormones can have negative repercussions. Concentration and focus are impaired when the brain is signaling threat, but particularly when hormones remain elevated. There can be immediate physical reactions to the hormones released in the body, such as irritability or abdominal discomfort. Fatigue, muscle aches, and/or headaches may result from prolonged stress and elevated stress hormones.
Our bodies are created with inherent protective mechanisms against threat. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to compensate for prolonged stress. Counseling provides a wonderful opportunity to learn skills and tools to handle anxiety, and ways to compensate for our body’s natural response to stress. Skills can include spiritual, mental, and physical elements depending on the person and situation. Developing these skills will strengthen resiliency when encountering stress, threats, and anxiety in the future.
