• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FHE Health - Addiction & Mental Health Care Homepage

Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment

ContactCareers

Call for Immediate Help (833) 596-3502

MENUMENU
  • About
        • About FHE Rehab
          • About FHE Health
          • Our Staff
          • Locations We Serve
          • Testimonials
        • Our Campus
          • Gallery
          • Our Videos
          • The Health and Wellness Center at FHE Health
        • Our Locations
          • Alcohol Rehab
          • Detox Center
          • Drug Rehab
          • Mental Health Center
          • Outpatient Rehab
        • Careers at FHE Health
          • Employment Opportunities
        • Our Expertise
          • Accreditations
          • Educational Opportunities
          • Community Impact Award
          • First Responder Families Podcast
          • First Responder Paws
          • Education Scholarship
  • Addiction
        • Treatment Programs
          • Treatment Program Overview
          • Alcohol Addiction
          • Drug Addiction Treatment
          • Behavioral Addiction
        • Levels of Care
          • Continuum of Care
          • Addiction Detox
          • Inpatient Addiction Treatment
          • Outpatient Addiction Treatment
        • What We Treat
          • Alcoholism
          • Amphetamines
          • Benzodiazepines
          • Cocaine
          • Heroin
          • Opioids
          • Sedative
  • Mental Health
        • Mental Health Rehab
          • Mental Health Rehab
          • Onsite Psychiatric Care
          • Dual Diagnosis
        • Levels of Care
          • Residential Mental Health Care
          • Outpatient Mental Health Care
        • What We Treat
          • ADD & ADHD
          • Anxiety Disorders
          • Bipolar Disorder
          • Depression
          • Eating Disorders
          • Personality Disorders
          • PTSD
          • Schizophrenia
          • Substance Use Disorder
          • Trauma
  • Programs
        • FHE Programs
          • Specialty Program Overview
          • Restore (Mental Health)
          • Empower! (Women's Program)
          • Shatterproof FHE Health(First Responders)
          • Compass Program
        • Support Programs
          • Alumni
          • Family Support
        • Therapies
          • Acupuncture
          • Breathwork Therapy
          • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
          • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
          • EMDR Therapy
          • Expressive Arts Therapy
          • Individual Therapy
          • Group Therapy
          • Gambling Therapy
          • Massage
        • Medical Care
          • Medical Integration
          • Ketamine Infusion
          • IV Vitamin
          • Fitness & Nutrition
          • Medication-Assisted Treatment
          • Medication Management
        • NeuroRehab Services
          • Neuro Rehabilitation
          • Neurofeedback Training
          • Neurostimulation Therapy
          • EEG Brain Mapping
          • Insomnia Treatment for PTSD
  • Resources
        • FHE Guides
          • Understanding Drug Abuse
          • Signs of Addiction
          • The Disease of Addiction
          • Confronting Addiction
          • Staging an Intervention
          • Rehab Success Rate – Does It Really Work?
          • Withdrawal Timelines
          • Life After Rehab
          • LGBTQ+ Community Resources
          • Veteran Resources
          • FHE Podcasts
          • Remote Resources Toolkit
        • Learning Center
          • Help for You
          • Help For Loved Ones
          • Help For Alcoholism
          • Help With Substance Abuse
          • Behavioral & Mental Health
          • Life in Recovery
          • Rehab Explained
          • Addiction Statistics
          • Our Research Articles
          • View All Articles
        • The Experience Blog
          • Addiction News
          • Alumni
          • Community Events
          • Expert Opinions
          • FHE Commentary
          • FHE News
          • Treatment Legislation
          • View All Articles
  • Admissions
        • Insurance
          • Blue Cross Insurance
          • Beacon Health / Value Options Insurance
          • Cigna Insurance
          • Humana Insurance
          • TRICARE Insurance
        • Admissions
          • Steps to Addiction Help
          • Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment?
          • Self-Pay Rehab
        • FAQ
          • Keeping Your Job in Rehab
          • Example Day in Rehab
        • Contact Admissions
          • Contact Us
          • Secure Payment Form
  • Contact
  •  
Home > Featured in Mental Health > Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: What to Know 

July 25, 2024 By Kristina Robb-Dover

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: What to Know 

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: What to Know 

Anxiety is a normal feeling that everyone experiences at one point or another. It often involves worries about an event that’s about to happen or a potential scenario that could happen in the future. Often, these anxious feelings subside quickly. Sometimes, though, anxiety may linger and seem like more of a generalized, chronic condition. In either case, anxiety can manifest physically.

How Can Anxiety Manifest Physically?

Whether anxiety is an acute response to a sudden loud bang or a chronic mental health issue, it can be accompanied by certain physical symptoms. That’s because the same autonomic nervous system that governs bodily functions like breathing and heart rate also initiates the fight-or-flight response in the face of a perceived threat.

Of course, there’s some unpleasantness that comes with feeling threatened. Anxiety can cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, headaches, nausea, nervousness, heart palpitations and other physical symptoms. People with anxiety disorders or those living in environments with constant conflict or danger might experience symptoms daily and constantly feel on edge.

What Are the Warning Signs of Anxiety?

Specific warning signs of anxiety can include fear or panic, trouble sleeping, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks to traumatic events, difficulty relaxing and nightmares. Anxiety can also cause a sense of dread. People may refrain from completing simple tasks because they become overwhelmed at the thought of trying or are afraid of making mistakes. Some individuals isolate themselves socially because they fear being around others.

The Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

What Are the Most Common Physical Symptoms of Anxiety?

  • Heart beats rapidly. Anxiety can raise stress hormones such as cortisol and increase your heart rate. Some people also experience heart palpitations when they’re anxious.
  • Breathing rate increases. Rapid breathing often coincides with an increased heart rate. People report feeling as if they’re unable to take in sufficient air.
  • Fight-or-flight response initiates. While most people aren’t facing the same threats as their ancestors, when the brain perceives a certain amount of danger, the body automatically releases various hormones and increases blood flow to help protect itself.
  • Muscles tense. During periods of heightened anxiety, some people’s muscles tense up involuntarily as a way for the body to protect itself from potential harm. Individuals who experience frequent muscle tension may later have headaches.
  • Blood sugar rises. When the fight-or-flight response activates, the body ensures it has enough energy by unlocking stored glucose. People who experience this frequently for prolonged periods have increasing risks of developing diseases such as diabetes.
  • Can’t fall asleep. Overthinking and worrying at bedtime make it difficult to fall asleep. Because poor sleep can lead to increased anxiety, a vicious cycle may form.
  • Overcoming infections takes longer. Negative thoughts can reduce the immune system’s effectiveness. People experiencing high levels of anxiety for long periods of time take longer to recover from illnesses such as colds and the flu.
  • Nausea becomes routine. Anxiety can make some people so nauseous they throw up. Over time, frequent anxiety-related nausea at this level could result in the development of stomach ulcers and worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Bowel problems appear. Doctors believe some people become constipated when they’re anxious because of how anxiety impacts muscle response. Additionally, because anxiety can alter the body’s nutrient intake, other people experience diarrhea when they’re anxious.
  • Body weight increases. While they seem to reduce anxiety symptoms in the short term, high-fat diets can lead to dopamine dysregulation, resulting in more anxiety symptoms later. When people repeatedly choose these high-calorie foods to ease their anxiety, weight gain often follows.
  • Sexual problems may develop. Cortisol released during the fight-or-flight response can decrease libido. Elevated stress levels can also negatively impact women’s menstruation cycles.

What Are Three Effects of Anxiety?

Anxiety can manifest physically with many effects, as illustrated by the many physical symptoms alone.

Gastrointestinal

Anxiety can cause people to feel physically sick. Anxiety-related gastrointestinal distress can include constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and nausea. Some people experience headaches, hyperventilation, panic attacks and trembling.

The physical symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating enough to cause individuals with anxiety to isolate themselves because they feel embarrassed about what others will think. Individuals experiencing these problems may seek help from a primary care provider, assuming they have a medical condition. However, when anxiety is behind the symptoms, a health care provider who doesn’t specialize in mental health may be unable to diagnose the problem.

Cognitive

People who suffer from anxiety may experience difficulty thinking and performing cognitive tasks. Fears and perceived threats can dominate thoughts to the extent that an individual finds it difficult to concentrate on other tasks. The physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing and sweating, can also impair cognitive performance.

Test anxiety is one example of how anxiety can interfere with cognitive functioning. Students who become nervous about future exams may not be able to prepare as well as their less-anxious peers due to constant worrying, which prevents them from filling their knowledge deficits. Test anxiety can affect individuals of all ages. For example, an adult may forgo applying for a promotion that requires a certification or competency test because they’re afraid of failing.

Chronic stress and anxiety may lead to memory loss. Although research is ongoing, some experts suggest both short-term and long-term anxiety can impact memory. Anxiety and stress compete with other cognitive activities for the brain’s resources, affecting the brain’s capacity to collect and store memories. Excessive fear and anxiety during childhood and early adulthood may predict cognitive decline in later years.

Behavioral

People suffering from anxiety can experience effects that impact their well-being and limit their ability to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. Individuals with anxiety can become fatigued by constant worry and vigilance. The inability to get adequate sleep can lead to exhaustion and irritability. Anxiety also causes behaviors such as avoiding eye contact and withdrawing from social situations.

Can Anxiety Cause Weird Body Sensations?

Anxiety can lead to some unexpected body sensations. Individuals with anxiety can have heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat. Some people experience burning sensations that resemble sunburn. The lips, skin and tongue may also feel as if they are burning. Some people have facial numbness with anxiety or a tingling feeling in the arms, hands and legs. Other people may experience ringing in their ears or tinnitus. People experiencing anxiety-related tinnitus may hear buzzing, chirping, swooshing or whizzing sounds.

What Can Mimic Anxiety Symptoms?

No one should make assumptions if they believe they’re having weird physical symptoms of anxiety. Chronic headaches could suggest other problems, such as high blood pressure. Indigestion and diarrhea could be symptoms of serious digestive disorders. Chest pains and irregular heartbeat might signal issues that could lead to a heart attack. Numbness and tingling are also symptoms of neurological disorders and could be a sign of stroke, depending on the area of the body. Ear ringing may be a sign of inner ear issues.

When an individual experiences symptoms that mimic anxiety, it’s best to see a healthcare provider to rule out physical illnesses and seek treatment if necessary.

Get Help for Anxiety

No one should suffer from anxiety alone. Unfortunately, only 36.9% of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Anxiety robs people of joy and keeps them from reaching their potential. It can get in the way of building and maintaining positive relationships. Anxiety may lead to drug and alcohol use when an individual doesn’t know where to turn, but there’s help for people struggling with anxiety. Anxiety treatments like therapy and medication have helped many people learn how to effectively manage and even overcome their anxiety — they can help you, too.

You don’t have to live with anxiety. Contact FHE Health today to speak with one of our experienced counselors so you can restore your mental health and enjoy the life you deserve.

Filed Under: Featured in Mental Health, Behavioral & Mental Health

About Kristina Robb-Dover

Kristina Robb-Dover is a content manager and writer with extensive editing and writing experience... read more

Primary Sidebar

Expert Nelson

Expert Review By

Dr. Beau Nelson, DBH, LCSW
Dr. Beau Nelson

Chief Clinical Officer,
at FHE Health

As chief Clinical Officer at FHE Health, a nationally recognized behavioral health treatment provider, he ensures quality, innovation, and comprehensive treatment for patients.

Dr. Nelson has worked in the behavioral health field for more than 22 years. He has served as a clinical director, clinician, and supervisor for mental health pro- grams in acute, sub-acute, and outpatient facilities, and in primary care.

Read More

Learning Center

  • Help for You
  • Help For Loved Ones
  • Help For Alcoholism
  • Help With Substance Abuse
  • Behavioral & Mental Health
  • Life in Recovery
  • Rehab Explained
  • All Articles

Sign up for the Blog

Our Facilities

Take a look at our state of the art treatment center.

View Our Gallery

The Experience Blog

  • Addiction News
  • Alumni
  • Community Events
  • Expert Columns
  • FHE Commentary
  • FHE News
  • Treatment Legislation
  • All Articles

Footer

FHE Health

© 2025 FHE Health

505 S Federal Hwy #2,
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441
1-833-596-3502
youtube facebook instagram linkedin twitter
  • Contact
  • Careers at FHE Health
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
A+ BBB and Top Places to Work - Sun Sentinel

Copyright © 2025 · FHE Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}

The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at marketing@fhehealth.com.

833-596-3502

Text/Call Me