As we grow up, through our studies, assignment deadlines, job searches, and relationships, we learn to cope with stress and accept it as a normal part of our daily lives. However, frequent exposure to stress can lead to dramatically negative consequences, such as asocial behavior, incompetence, and anxiety.
Although very often stigmatized, neglected, or ignored, anxiety is a disorder that thousands of people struggle with nowadays. It’s important to note that anxiety isn’t simply a thought or a passing feeling, but it is an omnipresent part of our mind and body. Both the mental and physical side effects of anxiety can be extreme, and therefore it’s important to recognize and treat anxiety as early as possible.
Anxiety is mostly harmless in the short-term and can even serve as a positive motivating factor in some cases, such as before a job interview, school test, or any other intense situation. This is the most common type of anxiety, and its physical consequences are benign, ranging from sweating through intense breathing to a faster heart rate. However, a prolonged or persistent state of anxiety can have devastating effects on both your mental and physical health. We list five of the most common physical effects that long-term anxiety can have on your body.
1. Sleep deprivation
Naturally, being in an anxious state hinders a good night’s sleep. Extreme and constant fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of long-term anxiety, triggered by interrupted sleep or insomnia. This is why poor sleepers tend to be depressed and vice versa. Anxious thoughts and a depressed state cause one to obsess, overthink, and develop various fears preventing them from relaxing their mind and getting a good night’s rest. Since good sleep improves concentration, productivity, and mood, lack of sleep is reflected in our daily functioning and behavior and can have extremely negative effects on physical health and even shorten one’s lifespan.
2. Impaired immune function
In the short term, anxiety releases a flood of chemicals and hormones into your system that can actually give your immune system a brief boost. Occasional stress leaves no permanent consequences, and the body returns to normal functioning shortly after periods of stress. On the other hand, if you are repeatedly exposed to stress or a state of anxiety lasts for a long time, your immune system weakens. This can lead to a series of health issues, since your body ceases to be as resilient to various infections and viruses and is more susceptible to illnesses.
3. Bruxism
Everyday stress, pressure, and nervousness are usually reflected in our unintended daily habits, such as shaking your leg, biting your nails, and, most commonly, grinding your teeth. Unaware grinding or clenching your teeth is a classic parafunctional habit, otherwise known as bruxism. This habit, especially common during sleep and thus impossible to control, causes a lot of tension in the jaw and can lead to major jaw pain, serving as one of the possible TMJ causes. Intense and persistent anxiety is very often the trigger of muscle tensions and joint disorders, which can cause severe pain and discomfort, even lasting for years.
4. Chronic respiratory disorders
Perhaps the most immediate effect that any type of anxiety has on our body is difficulty with breathing. Anxiety causes numerous breathing problems, including rapid, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and tightness in the throat. Particularly if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, the symptoms can worsen and you may be at an increased risk of hospitalization from anxiety-related complications. However naive it may seem, rapid and shallow breathing, called hyperventilation, can lead to the wrong levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen n blood and can trigger a panic attack.
5. Loss of libido
As we mentioned before, an anxious person is likely to develop a lot of fears, insecurities, and highly pessimistic views. However, this can manifest itself physically as well. Another possible, and perhaps less common or less discussed effect that anxiety can have on your body is the loss of libido. Fear of bodily sensations causes your body to act in the same way and can limit your ability to perform sexually.
We can’t just run away or hide from all the pressures and problems of our lives and protect ourselves from anxiety. However, we can choose to avoid possible triggers, fight instead of giving in to anxious or depressed moments, and invest in our mental and physical well-being by giving ourselves a break from time to time.
If you’re suffering from any form of anxiety and experiencing some of the physical symptoms and effects from the list above, do not ignore the consequences. There are many approaches to treat and deal with these symptoms as well as both natural and medical ways to reduce anxiety and live the normal and happy life you deserve.
Scarlet is a passionate writer, interested in fashion, lifestyle, and health. She loves traveling, you could say that she is a real travel addict, especially when she has a chance to visit some exotic destinations. She would tell you that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.
