Many people are interested in learning all about the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress. However, we would be remiss if we did not state that almost everyone now and then experience feelings of anxiety, stress, and worries.
For example, anxiety could be brought on by a job interview, mid-term exam, or relocating to a new home. Needless to say, it would be normal to experience feelings of nervousness, dread, or apprehension, and most of the time these feelings are a perfectly normal response to stress. More specifically, anxiety is usually a normal response to a situation which appears threatening or to which we are not accustomed and, as such, anxiety usually goes away after the actual event has passed or once we have become use to it.
On the other hand, when the anxiety is not tied to an identifiable threat or is more severe and long–lasting than warranted and feelings get out of hand and interfere with normal life, it is an anxiety disorder and requires special attention. Of course, understanding some of the common emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress is very helpful as well.
That said, it’s important to note that anxiety disorders take different forms. However, some of the more common ones include obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Now, before we delve into emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress, let’s discuss stress. According to the well renowned “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC who states:
“The term “stress” refers to any reaction to a physical, mental, social, or emotional stimulus that requires a response or alteration to the way we perform, think, or feel.” (Page 646.)
In fact, changes are stressful even if the change is good. Moreover, stress can be a result from worry. Indeed, stress is an unavoidable part of life and it can result from many things that are both physical and psychological.
Some people handle stress well and, as such, stress has little impact on their emotional or physical health, while others are very negatively influenced by it. When a person is under stress, their body responds via a series of physiological changes that include increased secretion of adrenaline, acceleration of heartbeat, greater tension in the muscles as well as elevation of blood pressure.
Researchers estimate that stress contributes to as many as 80% of all major illnesses and many psychiatrists believe the majority of back problems are related to stress.
In regards to anxiety, stress is a common precursor of anxiety and as we mentioned earlier, everyone now and then experiences the feelings of nervousness, dread, or apprehension, which are the hallmarks of anxiety and most of the time, these feelings are a perfectly normal response to stress. On the other hand, anxiety disorders is a far more common problem than once thought and, as such, there are many people who seek to learn more about the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
However, it’s important to note that stress is also a common precursor of other psychological difficulties such as depression.
Lastly, according to the well renowned Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC who states:
“Anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative disorders, and phobic disorders are among the more serious emotional manifestations of stress.” (Page 647.)
Now, let’s go over the common emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Anxiety Symptoms
- Pervasive and unshakable feelings of dread, apprehension, and irrational fears.
- Heart palpitations.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness and perhaps fainting.
- Chest pains and other symptoms similar to those of a heart attack.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Insomnia.
- Chills and perhaps hot flashes.
- Dry mouth.
- Sense of impending doom.
- Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and other intestinal symptoms.
- Clamminess.
- Muscle tension and aches.
- Irritability.
- Excessive sweating.
- Dry mouth.
- Under or over eating.
- Loss of sex drive.
- Breathlessness; hyperventilation.
The following are symptoms of anxiety for school-age children.
- Worry that is unnecessary.
- Fear of strangers.
- Refusal to attend school.
- Fear of being away from family.
Now, let’s delve into some of the common emotional and physical symptoms of stress. As such, you will have a complete list of the some of the common emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Stress Symptoms
- Loss of appetite.
- Overeating.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Worrying.
- Clenched jaws.
- Chest pain.
- Pounding heart.
- Insomnia or other changes in sleep patterns.
- Lowered sex drive.
- Tooth-grinding.
- Nervous twitches.
- Cold hands.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Neck pain or backache.
- Tension or anxiety.
- Mood swings.
- Depression.
- Anger.
- Reclusiveness.
- Pessimism.
- Resentment.
- Increased irritability.
- Feelings of cynicism.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Inability to perform at usual levels.
If you feel you have a problem with anxiety and stress, it’s important that you speak to a physician. Bear in mind that this list of emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress is not exhaustive.
Beyond the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and stress…
There are many herbs that are used to help with anxiety and/or stress such as Siberian ginseng, hops, kava kava, passionflower, chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, and others. However, it’s important that you speak to physician before taking any herbal or dietary supplements.
