There is a popular misconception that anxiety only has a negative impact on a person’s mental health. However, there are several ways that untreated anxiety can affect your physical health as well. Here are just a few that you need to know.
Central Nervous System
Panic attacks and anxiety often go together. When you experience this, the brain will release stress hormones into the body. This can eventually lead to other ailments such as headaches, extreme tension in the muscles, and may even have an adverse effect on sexual desire. Having these problems can lead to depression and feelings of low self-esteem.
Immune System
Several studies have shown that short-term anxiety can encourage the immune system to work faster. However, the long-term effects are the exact opposite. Over the long term, anxiety can decrease the body’s ability to fight off infection and bacteria. This can lead to higher occurrences of common illnesses such as the flu or a cold. This is why many people have issues with anxiety tend to feel overly fatigued and ill. This can also lead to your body being more easily injured.
Digestive and Excretory Problems
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are 60 percent more susceptible to anxiety issues than their male counterparts. This stress can cause loss of appetite, problems with digesting food, and even cause excretory issues in the body. These problems can go on either side of the spectrum. They can range from loss of appetite to emotional eating that would in turn lead to abnormal weight gain. Stress can also be a large contributor to the occurrence of stomach ulcers.
There are several factors that may come into play when it comes to anxiety. While some of those effects can be minor, there can also be symptoms that can be debilitating to your lifestyle. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact an anxiety psychologist near California. There are several treatment methods that are available. These treatments may vary between counseling to learn better coping methods and/or medication.
You don’t have to accept these issues as a regular part of your life. In fact, you can reclaim your life now by calling The Industry Therapist today. Don’t let people tell you that all your physical ailments are just in your head or that you are a hypochondriac. Get help today.
