Physical Signs of Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be caused by a variety of outside stimuli, such as financial worries, health issues, and family and job stress. The first signs of stress and anxiety often start mentally and they may be hard for others, including medical staff, to observe and evaluate. Once stress and anxiety begin to advance and remain untreated, physical signs can begin to appear. At that point, you should strongly consider seeking medical advice to help treat the stress and anxiety.

Weight Changes

One of the most visible physical signs of stress and anxiety is a drastic weight change. Some people may lose their appetite, resulting in weight loss. Others may overeat due to added stress and begin to pack on unwanted pounds. Weight fluctuations are a way for the brain to deal with the added stress being put on the body. It may choose to starve itself as a form of self-punishment. Binge eating may bring about a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction for someone suffering from constant stress and anxiety.

Headaches

Headaches can have several causes in association with stress and anxiety. The tension headache tends to leave a gripping sensation on each side of the temple and can cause unsteadiness or sensitivity to noise and light. More severe headaches are migraine headaches and blood pressure headaches, for which medical care should be sought. Migraines can be brought on by motion, stress or loud noise. Blood pressure headaches occur when there is increased blood flow within the vessels of the brain.

Violent Outbursts

People who have prolonged stress and anxiety in their lives may resort to violent outbursts. Most of the time these episodes are mild in nature and no one involved is hurt or physically harmed. In intense stress situations, pent-up frustration can lead to overwhelming anxiety, allowing someone to have a violent outburst that may include physical harm on another or may involve damage of personal or public property. If someone with a past history of anxiety and stress suddenly has violent thoughts or mentions wanting to hurt someone, a physician or, in severe cases, law enforcement should be called.

Body Aches and Pains

Those who face extreme stress and anxiety may notice extensive body aches and pains. This can be physically visible as the person's body may contort or react to physical stimuli. Sometimes those with this type of intense pain may be diagnosed as having fibromyalgia. This is a disorder in which the patient experiences chronic pain, sleeping disturbances and aching sensations throughout the body.

Panic Attacks

One of the most disturbing physical signs of stress and anxiety is a full-blown panic attack. Although they do not occur in everyone with prolonged exposure to stress and anxiety, they can appear to some. The effects can be debilitating. Some of the symptoms include tunnel vision, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, vision changes, feelings of impending doom, fear of dying or losing control, sweating, numbness in extremities and hyperventilation. Many of these symptoms can be controlled by relaxation techniques and medication.

Resources

• Physical Symptoms of Stress