From time to time, we have all experienced anxious feelings.
We get nervous before a big date or presentation.
Our palms get sweaty before a tough exam.
We worry and fret over family issues.
However, if these feelings are experienced on a regular basis and over an extended period of time, this may be considered chronic anxiety.
This can lead to panic attacks, tension and physical and emotional strain.
Moreover, it can dangerously and adversely affect our health.
If you think you may have this chronic condition, here are some common anxiety effects on the body.
Tiredness This type of tiredness differs from tiredness due to strenuous physical exercise or lack of sleep.
Anxiety-caused fatigue generally makes you feel completely drained of energy, even when you've done nothing to cause it.
This is the result of excessive adrenalin in the body.
When you constantly have moments of intense fear, worry and dread, it can take a toll on your body and leave you in a constant state of exhaustion.
Performing simple daily tasks may be difficult, and regardless of how much sleep you get, you may not feel refreshed or rested.
Headaches Also known as stress or tension headaches, this symptom is the result of increased muscle tension in the neck and back.
They are the most common type of headaches and are usually easy to diagnose.
Those who have them tend to be under a lot of stress or hold their heads in strained positions for long amounts of time.
For most people, it starts as a dull and achy pain, which is sometimes described as squeezing rather than a throbbing sensation.
Tension headaches tend to start out mild and get worse over time.
The pain can be on the temples, forehead, both sides of the head or on the back of the head and neck.
Insomnia Insomnia is one of the earliest indicators of anxiety effects and the two are interchangeable.
In other words, insomnia can cause anxiety and anxiety can cause insomnia.
For some, problems sleeping can cause or increase symptoms of anxiety and for others, the constant worrying can keep them up at night, leading to increased anxiety and other health problems.
Thus, it can become a vicious cycle.
There are two types of insomnia; transient, or short term insomnia and chronic insomnia.
Almost everyone has experienced short term insomnia, such as the night before a wedding, job interview or other significant personal event.
This usually gets resolved once the stress inducing event has passed.
However, if it continues for more than a month, then it is considered chronic and more serious.
Loss Of Appetite This is a common symptom, in addition to perhaps being one of the most obvious consequences of anxiety, stress and depression.
When frightened, panic stricken or feeling worthless and exhausted, no one feels like eating.
On the other hand, there are some whose appetites increase dramatically, but they are in the minority.
Loss of appetite is more common and can jeopardize our health.
When we eat less than normal, our bodies begin burning stored fat, which eventually leads to poor nutrition and weight loss.
If you suffer from long term anxiety effects, it can additionally increase your blood pressure, placing needless strain on your heart and vital organs.
These effects can also increase your chances of a stroke.
Fortunately, there is help for the anxiety stricken.
Many treatments are available, from medications to self help strategies.
For those who have this condition, it is recommended that you seek out therapy in order to cope with these debilitating symptoms.