Recognising physical signs of anxiety

We produce adrenalin in response to stress, anxiety or a perceived threat.

A certain degree of anxiety can be very helpful, it enables us to do things, motivate us to look after ourselves etc. However when the levels of stress become too high problems can occur. Alternatively if levels of stress are not high enough perhaps we are not sufficiently concerned or worried about something in order to change our behavior.

Common physical signs of anxiety:

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• Hot flush
• Dry mouth, tightness in throat
• Breathing difficulties
• Feeling of nausea
• Indigestion, stomach churning, butterflies
• Trembling, unsteadiness
• Tingling fingers, pins and needles
• Headaches, blurred vision
• Light-headedness, feeling faint
• Difficulty swallowing, choking feeling
• Aching muscles, tense neck and shoulders
• Chest pains, tightness in the chest
• Palpitations, racing heart
• Frequent urination, diahrrhoea
• Excess blushing, sweating