How Does Worrying Affect Health?
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Chronic Worry is a Headache--Literally
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Worry can affect your health in several ways. Everyone has something to worry about at least some of the time but there are some people who worry constantly. Chronic worriers may literally be worrying themselves to death. When a person is in a state of chronic worry the blood pressure can be elevated. This can be dangerous, especially for someone who suffers from a high blood pressure condition. Headaches may result from the rise in blood pressure causing pain, discomfort and possibly more worry, which keeps the cycle going.
Worry Affects Your Appetite
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People who worry constantly may not eat properly. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as other conditions. On the flip side, some chronic worriers may overeat. Eating too much or eating the wrong types of food can be very unhealthy. People tend to binge eat on fast foods and processed snacks which may result in high cholesterol levels. Overeating to excess may lead to obesity, which can increase one's risk of developing a variety of health conditions.
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Worry Keeps You Up at Night
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Worriers tend to have difficulty sleeping and may suffer from insomnia. Insufficient sleep can cause physical and mental exhaustion. Lack of sleep can also cause headaches, loss of appetite, eye strain and mental confusion. Without proper sleep the mind and body can't function properly. Lack of sleep impairs coordination, motor functions and concentration. When you sacrifice sleep you sacrifice good health, since adequate sleep is necessary in order for your body and mind to function properly. Simply put, lack of sleep wears the body down.
Worry Can Lead to Bad Habits and Bad Health
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People who worry constantly may be prone to substance abuse. People who are in a state of chronic worry are also in a state of chronic anxiety. They may turn to alcohol or drugs in an effort to relieve the anxiety. They may start with just a drink to help them sleep and before long it becomes a regular ritual. They can end up consuming alcohol excessively. Smoking is another habit that people often turn to in an effort to relieve anxiety. They may also begin using illegal drugs. Not every person who is a chronic worrier will use drugs, alcohol or even smoke but the eventual panic that excessive worry can cause may lead some people down that path. Chronic worriers who do drink alcohol, smoke or use other substances endanger their health by doing so. Alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, kidney damage and other conditions. Smoking may lead to lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease as well as other disorders. Worry can impact your emotional health by leading to depression, anxiety attacks and other stress related disorders.
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