Anxiety disorders are a potential category of mental illnesses. There are many different types: generalized anxiety disorders, social phobias, specialized phobias (such as agoraphobia and claustrophobia), and panic disorders, just to name a few.
Anxiety disorders and depression are frequently linked. Many people suffer from anxiety disorders, which are prevalent mental health issues. Approximately 25% of the people have an anxiety illness that requires treatment at some point, while another 25% have less severe concerns such as spider and snake phobias. In this post, we will acknowledge the effects of anxiety on human health.
1. Respiratory Problems
When someone is worried, their breathing becomes shallow, fast, and short. When the amount of oxygen breathed exceeds the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled, this results in harmful breathing patterns. Carbon dioxide buildup in the bloodstream can cause dizziness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and even loss of consciousness. Anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma attacks. Due to potential stress, patients with inflamed airways or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may require repeated hospitalization.
2. Immune System
A stream of hormones and chemicals, such as adrenaline, can be released into your system when you are anxious. The pulse and breathing rate will rise, as a result, allowing your brain to receive extra oxygen in the short term. You’ll be more equipped to deal with a stressful scenario if you do this. In some cases, the immune system also might benefit temporarily.
After a period of stress, your body can return to a normal state. Unfortunately, the body doesn’t get the message to return to normal functioning if you feel nervous and agitated regularly or if it lasts for a long time. As a result, you may be more susceptible to viral infections and other ailments. Additionally, your standard immunizations may not be as effective if you suffer from anxiety.
3. Chronic Pain & Muscle Tension
Your muscles may tense or stiffen often due to frequent distress messages from the amygdala to the central nervous system in preparation for a stress reaction. Constant muscular tension can cause tight, stiff, or aching muscles and aches and pains throughout the body. Chronic pain disorders like joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and others may occur.
4. Memory Loss
If you are a chronic worrier or have generalized anxiety, your short-term and working memory may be affected. As a result, you might find yourself making frequent errors, missing essential appointments, and being unable to handle tight schedules. When this happens frequently, it becomes challenging to make critical decisions at work or home, and performance at school or the workplace may suffer. In addition, it causes you to become more worried and depressed.
5. Anxiety and Weight Gain
When you’re nervous, your brain releases adrenalin and cortisol chemicals into your body. This ‘high’ will make you crave sweet comfort foods like chocolate, creamy pastries or cake, and sugary aerated drinks. The surge and subsequent decline in blood sugar levels, on the other hand, result in an insatiable need for salty and sweet meals. This never-ending cycle of high anxiety levels might result in weight gain and obesity.
Conclusion
Anxiety affects our health in many ways. Anxiety disorders can cause social isolation and clinical depression and interfere with a person’s ability to work, study, and do daily tasks. It might also harm friendships, family, and work connections. Depression and anxiety are frequently experienced together.
Some people become overwhelmed by anxiety and want to avoid situations that might make them frightened or anxious. It can be hard to break this cycle, but there are lots of ways to do it. You can learn to feel less fearful and to cope with fear so that it doesn’t stop you from living.