Last update: 30 November 2015
Anxiety transforms those everyday situations where we can have fun and learn new things in a real daily challenge. Being aware of its presence in our life is one of the first steps to minimize its symptoms.
Before continuing, remember that when you find yourself in a situation that you are facing with anxiety, to overcome the latter, it is necessary not to focus on the symptoms. Attention must be focused on the most useful and practical aspects, such as the realization of constructive activities, the practice of physical exercise, relaxation, etc.
The aim is to prevent these symptoms from causing distress, after having recognized them effectively. Surely you have already experienced some of them. As you know, everyone is biologically distinct, as they can react differently during an anxiety attack.
What are the symptoms of anxiety attacks?
- A feeling of choking and difficulty in breathing. These sensations are among the most distressing symptoms that can be experienced; one has the perception of being suffocated by someone, for example with a pillow. It is important to remember that this experience is only a sensation produced by excessive nerve impulses, it cannot really hurt you, your breathing will not stop.
- Chest pain. This annoyance it is caused by muscle tension. Chest pains can generate a lot of fear, as the initial feeling is that of suffering a heart attack. When this malaise occurs in anxiety states, it does not start in the chest. To avoid this, you can help yourself with relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety.
- Palpitations. Anxiety produces an increase in adrenaline levels into the bloodstream, causing the heart to beat wildly. There may be another characteristic of anxiety that we are not used to: a reduction in heart rhythm.
- Pallor of the skin. When we are under the effects of anxiety, the blood is diverted to the muscles during the "fight or flight" response. Normal is returned when the body begins to regularize after the attack. In this circumstance, some people may turn pale more than usual.
- Sweating. In moments of anxiety, the body warms up, as it is preparing to flee or to fight. To regain a body balance, we release sweat, trying to lower our temperature.
- Trembling and shivering. Tremble is a normal reaction to fear and / or a drop in body temperature. When you suffer from anxiety, you often experience tremors or chills, which stop when the attack is over.
- Pain in the shoulders and neck. These areas of the body are usually the first to become tense when we are stressed. The part of the face hardens due to body rigidity, then presenting muscle contractures.
- Digestive and stomach problems. Our digestive system is one of the areas where the most blood flows, as the latter must absorb the nutrients of the food we eat. During an anxiety attack, blood is diverted to the muscles to respond adequately to the fight / flight state. As a result, digestion is slowed and the muscles around the stomach can become knotted. Problems such as indigestion, stomach acid, diarrhea, or constipation can occur.
- Skin rashes. Very common symptoms of anxiety and stress are skin rashes, blemishes or dryness. Eczema may appear near the nose, on the cheeks or forehead, which then disappears when we begin to calm down.
- Weakness and tingling in the hands or feet. The flight or fight reaction is very intense and has an effect on the bodily sensations. Tingling is usually caused by the buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood in the extremities. These symptoms are not harmful to health, you return to normal with the help of some light exercise.
- Dry mouth. During an anxiety attack, fluids are diverted to other parts of the body for their use; for this reason, the mouth tends to dry out. To avoid this feeling, try drinking water to keep yourself hydrated and lubricate your mouth. This symptom is not harmful to health and disappears when anxiety is overcome.
- Insomnia. One of the most important and annoying effects of anxiety is insomnia, i.e. the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is important to catch up with regular sleep patterns and schedules for your personal well-being and to eliminate anxiety from your daily life.
- The nightmares. Nightmares tend to mimic the events of daily life. If we are relaxed and happy, we will have positive and happy dreams. Nightmares are harmless, but they are unpleasant and can alter our sleep cycle. To avoid them, practice relaxation exercises during the day and before bedtime.
- Irritability. People are more irritable when they are tired or sick. Sadness is a major cause of anger, which is a normal reaction to fear or fear.
Those listed so far are the most common symptoms anxiety, but other alterations may also occur such as:
- The fear of losing control.
- An increase in depression and suicidal thoughts.
- Distortion of vision.
- Disturbed hearing.
- Hormonal problems.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Pain in the eyes.
- Agoraphobia.
