Last week, I found myself in a familiar situation that triggered my anxiety. A heated exchange with family over the phone and via email sent me spiraling into that all-too-familiar pit of anxiety. Despite being someone who has battled anxiety for years, I had enjoyed a relatively stable year. I managed to prevent panic attacks from overwhelming me, prioritized self-care, and made lifestyle choices that suited my sensitive disposition.
However, when my anxiety flared up last week, I couldn’t help but observe the physical toll it took on my body. It started with my heart racing, feeling like it was pounding a million beats per minute. The sensation was deafening, accompanied by a wave of sweat and the unsettling feeling that my heart was about to leap out of my throat. My breath became shallow and strained, and then came the infamous digestive issues. As someone with IBS, stress means a quick trip to the bathroom—definitely not my idea of fun.
Even after calming down, it took a whole week for me to feel like myself again. My muscles felt sore, I was parched, and my stomach issues lingered. To top it off, three days post-panic attack, I was hit with a migraine that came with an aura. And let’s not forget the insomnia that really made things worse—just what I needed to feel revitalized!
When we experience anxiety or panic attacks, it’s easy to focus solely on the emotional distress. We often overlook how much chaos it wreaks on our physical state. According to WebMD, excessive worry activates our body’s fight-or-flight response, leading the sympathetic nervous system to unleash stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can cause a host of unpleasant physical reactions, including rapid heartbeat, headaches, trembling, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Even more concerning, chronic stress can contribute to severe health issues like immune system suppression, memory loss, and even heart-related problems. And if you suffer from anxiety, this only adds another layer of worry—worrying about the consequences of your worries!
Realizing the impact anxiety has on my body, I felt grateful that I am in a place where these episodes are becoming less frequent. But I also recognized that I won’t willingly put myself in situations that trigger such intense reactions whenever I can avoid it. Living with anxiety is a lifelong journey, and I’m committed to managing it effectively.
For me, that means incorporating daily exercise, meditation, therapy, and prescribed medications into my routine. These elements are as essential to me as eating, drinking, or paying my bills.
I understand how daunting it can be to confront anxiety; it often tries to convince you that there’s no hope and that you’re trapped. It whispers lies that you are bound to a life of distressing thoughts. But remember, that’s just the anxiety talking. You are not defined by your anxiety; you are a person who experiences an anxiety disorder.
Everyone deserves to feel better, and there are options available to help manage your symptoms, whether through therapy, medication, or other methods. There are professionals ready to support you in finding the right approach for your unique situation.
Please take your mental health seriously. Anxiety’s physical symptoms may serve as a protective warning from your body, signaling that something isn’t right. Ignoring it can lead to real consequences—none of which are selfish. So, prioritize your mental wellness. Make that call. Schedule that appointment. Do it now, and don’t allow procrastination to win. Once you start feeling better, you’ll wish you had sought help sooner.
For more on self-care strategies, check out this post on home insemination kits or explore Ayesha Curry’s simple chicken recipe for some culinary inspiration. For those considering pregnancy options, Johns Hopkins Fertility Center offers excellent resources.
In summary, understanding the physical effects of anxiety is crucial. By taking proactive steps to manage it, you can reclaim your well-being.