Mental & Physical Wellbeing: How Anxiety Wreaks Havoc On Your Body

Managing anxiety can be a tall order for sufferers because there’s often anxiety surrounding the anxiety disorder. Whether it’s a general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or a specific phobia, anxiety can wreak havoc on a person. Anxiety often brings on varying physical symptoms in addition to the emotional and mental symptoms. Some of these symptoms may include hyperventilation, nausea, sweating, and gastrointestinal problems. But there are also other aspects of your body’s functioning that can be adversely affected.

1. Cardiovascular System

Although long-term high blood pressure isn’t typically a result of anxiety, repeated daily bouts of anxiety can damage blood vessels, the heart, and the kidneys. The temporary elevations in blood pressure do not typically lead to chronic hypertension. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from anxiety haven’t taken advantage of telehealth therapy offered by licensed professionals and develop bad habits to deal with the disorder. Some of these habits that can lead to further damaging the cardiovascular system include smoking, alcohol abuse, and overeating.

2. Immune System

A weakened immune system is typical for someone who experiences regular anxiety. This is due to the excess cortisol and other stress hormones in the body. When we feel anxious and stressed, our bodies produce multiple hormones to help us deal with the external situation. It’s a survival thing. But when these hormones are constantly being built up in the body and aren’t given the opportunity to dissipate, the immune system becomes suppressed. This keeps it from protecting you and your cells.

3. Sexual Health

Both men and women can have sexual issues arise due to anxiety. These symptoms may present as an inability to perform, vaginal dryness, testicle or penis shrinkage, and symptoms that typically present with STDs. Many people battling anxiety find themselves uninterested in sex, unable to climax or unable to become aroused. Trouble with your sex life can be quite embarrassing, cause more anxiety, and even ruin relationships.

4. Tiredness

When you are plagued with anxiety, you may find yourself losing a lot of quality sleep hours. This may lead to fatigue, and in some cases extreme exhaustion. Part of the fatigue comes from the flood of adrenaline that comes with anxiety. When the adrenaline is all spent there is a sort of crash, sort of like what happens after eating or drinking something sugary. You may find that you’re both mentally and physically tired.

5. Headaches

Anxiety can sometimes cause headaches. Some people will call these tension headaches. The interesting thing about headaches is that they can be both the cause and result of anxiety. Getting the upper hand on your anxiety can do a lot to alleviate headaches.

Parting Words

Anxiety can be very unsettling and frightening, but there is hope for those who suffer. If you’re not sure if you have an anxiety disorder it’s a good idea to consult with your medical professional. The sooner you’re able to address your anxiety disorder, the sooner you can learn how to manage it and alleviate many of these and other uncomfortable symptoms.