Most people feel anxious or down from time to time. Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stressful situations, helping us be more cautious. Feeling lonely or sad during tough times is also common. However, if anxiety starts to disrupt your daily life or if you constantly feel very sad or empty, it’s more than just life’s ups and downs it could be a mental health disorder.
Anxiety disorders are quite common in the U.S. affecting around 40 million Americans, which is nearly 20% of adults. Often, anxiety and depression go hand in hand about half of adults with an anxiety disorder also have some form of depressive disorder. Living with untreated anxiety and depression can harm both your mental and physical well-being. Scientists have found that these conditions can worsen existing health problems or even lead to new ones.
Effects of Anxiety on Physical Health
Anxiety not only affects your emotions but also triggers physical responses. It makes your muscles tense up, your heart race, and your breathing quickens. It also diverts blood away from your stomach to your brain.
When anxiety becomes chronic, these physical effects can intensify, causing symptoms like feeling lightheaded, stomachaches, and a consistently high heart rate.
Here are some ways anxiety affects the body:
Digestive Issues
Anxiety can lead to stomachaches, digestive problems, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is because anxiety affects the nervous system, which in turn influences your digestion.
