The Consequences of anxiety Make up both psychological and physical effects and can greatly affect the quality of life.
Everyone may have anxiety from time to time, but chronic anxiety can have negative effects and it is difficult to coexist.
Anxiety is a negative mood and characterized by bodily symptoms of physical tension and concern about the future.
You may feel it as a subjective sensation of restlessness, anguish Or concern. Originate in brain And manifests as elevated heart rate and muscle tension.
Negative Effects of Anxiety in Life
1-Weakens the immune system
The anxiety Can trigger the fight or flight response, releasing chemicals and hormones - such as adrenaline - into your body.
In the short term, that will increase your pulse and your heart rate so your brain can get more oxygen.
Now you will be more prepared to respond to an intense situation and your body will return to normal functioning when the situation has passed.
However, if you feel anxious or stressed repeatedly, or if it lasts too long, your body does not receive the signal to return to normal functioning.
That can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to viral infections.
2-Damage to digestive system and excretory
Your digestive system and excretory also suffer. According to Harvard Medical School, there may be a connection between anxiety disorders And the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
This syndrome can cause vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. In this class of stomach syndromes, the nerves that regulate digestion are hypersensitive to stimulation.
Because these conditions do not produce lesions like ulcers or tumors, they are not considered to be life-threatening, although their symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting) may be chronic and difficult to tolerate.
3-Short-term memory loss
Although they appear to be unrelated, Loss of memory Is a very real symptom of anxiety. The main cause of memory loss is a hormone called cortisol.
Numerous studies have confirmed that this hormone contributes to memory loss, especially short-term memory as it acts as a toxin to brain cells.
The more you deal with the anxiety , plus Cortisol You will have in your system, and more likely you will have to continue with the loss of memory in the future.
4-Various physical reactions
Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger several health problems.
The problem occurs when excessive worry or anxiety occurs. The fight response causes the Sympathetic nervous system Release stress hormones like cortisol.
These hormones can increase blood sugar levels and triglycerides (fats). These hormones can also cause physical reactions such as:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Inability to concentrate
- Accelerated heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Perspiration
- Fast breathing
- Irritability
- Tremors and spasms
- Sickness.
5-Heart Attacks
Anxiety disorders have also been linked to the development of heart problems and coronary events in people who already have heart problems.
In a study mentioned here women with the highest levels of anxiety were 59% more likely to have a heart attack and 31% more likely to die of one, than women with the lowest levels of anxiety.
On the other hand, a history of panic attacks can triple the risk of stroke or stroke.
6-Insomnia
The experience of frequent or intense anxiety can also interfere with sleep and produce insomnia .
Being constantly on guard, tense or worried may interfere with the ability to relax and Fall asleep .
On the other hand, you can be more sensitive to sounds while you sleep.
7-Depression
If excessive worry or anxiety is left untreated, they can lead to depression or even suicidal thoughts .
It is common to find people looking to combat anxiety while treating depression.
Fortunately, anxiety can be treated well with Cognitive-behavioral therapy And other techniques known and practiced by mental health professionals.
Getting help can make a big difference and the treatment does not have to be for a lifetime, although it has the positive effects it has.
Visit this article To learn more about how to overcome anxiety.
Actually, some anxiety is good.
It is known that a certain level of anxiety is good for people.
For example, with a certain level of anxiety:
- You better prepare for an exam.
- You prepare better for a job interview.
- You try to make a better impression on an appointment.
Therefore, some impression that things can go wrong in the future can be in fact good for better results.
That is, thinking that something can go wrong makes you better prepare for it.
The problem is when there is too much anxiety
The problem is when the anxiety is too high or out of control.
So:
- The exam can go wrong because you do not concentrate and you only think that you will suspend.
- You do not know what to say in the job interview or you do not organize your ideas.
- You're too nervous about a date.
50% of people who have anxiety also have one or more additional anxiety or depression disorders and some other disorder, especially substance abuse.
These are the most common anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder : Excessive anxiety and worry that occur during most of the days.
- Panic disorder with agoraphobia: Serious panic attacks unexpected, thinking that you can die or lose control.
- Panic disorder Without agoraphobia: the same as the previous although anxiety appears in places or situations where escape can be difficult.
- Night Panic: panic attacks that occur during sleep (although you are not dreaming when they occur).
- Specific phobias: blood, natural environments, animals, situational, social...
- Separation anxiety disorder : Children's concern that something will happen to their parents or important people in their life or that something could happen if they are separated from them.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder : Emotional disorder after trauma.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder : Thoughts, images or impulses that are tried to avoid, obsessions and compulsions.
And what consequences have you noticed when you feel anxiety? I am interested in your opinion. Thanks!