What Are The Symptoms of Anxiety?

There are three ways anxiety can manifest itself: Physical Sensations, Psychological Effects and Behavioural Reactions. Anxiety feels different to everyone and the intensity may vary on each occasion but if you are feeling anxious, you will generally experience some, but not necessarily all, of the following:

Physical Sensations

  • Cardiovascular, i.e. increased heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations, blushing

  • Respiratory, i.e. hyperventilation and shortness of breath

  • Neurological, i.e. headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, tingling and numbness

  • Gastrointestinal, i.e. dry mouth, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea

  • Musculoskeletal, i.e. muscle aches and pains, restlessness, shaking and tremors

Psychological Effects

  • Unrealistic and/or excessive fear, a sense of dread and fear the worst

  • Nervousness, restlessness, worry, feeling on edge

  • Decreased concentration and memory

  • Difficulty making decisions and/or overthinking

  • Mind racing and/or going blank

  • Feeling tense, nervous or unable to relax

  • Confusion, irritability, impatience, anger

  • Tiredness, difficulty falling asleep, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams

  • Unwanted and/or unpleasant repetitive thoughts

  • Needing the toilet more or less often

  • Feeling like the world around you is speeding up or slowing down

  • Feeling judged, thinking other people can “see” your anxiety

Behavioural Reactions

  • Avoidance of situations including school or work

  • Repetitive compulsive behaviour

  • Distress in social situations

  • Urges to escape situations

  • Becoming needy or clingy, or avoiding people all together

  • Avoid forming or maintaining relationships

  • Neglecting ourselves and our hygiene

I am not medically trained so will caveat the above by saying that sometimes it might be difficult to work out whether your symptoms are totally related to anxiety, or might be related to a different illness. If you're experiencing any physical symptoms it's best to talk to your GP, so they can check out what may be causing them. 

If anxiety is something you or your loved ones struggle with regularly, then please get in touch to discuss how I can help you. You can book a FREE 45 minute discovery call here