Free delivery in mainland France for purchases over €50
Symptoms of anxiety: how to recognize them?
Anxiety is an emotional reaction , anticipating a threatening event and defined by feelings of unease such as fear, hypervigilance, alertness, etc. Anxiety becomes pathological , from the moment when the anxious response becomes excessive , that it manifests itself in a disproportionate manner in relation to the situation, that it persists over time , and that it causes great suffering and disruptions in daily life.
We speak of anxiety when physical symptoms are associated with it.
Indeed, unlike stress, which manifests itself in specific situations, worry is diffuse and can occur even in the absence of a real threat.
Anxiety often manifests itself through physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms.
Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety is important in learning how to best manage them. Identifying them makes it easier to develop strategies to reduce their impact on overall health and well-being.
Physical symptoms of anxiety
Cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms
Anxiety can appear with physical symptoms, in fact, cardiovascular symptoms such as a rapid heart rate and chest pain are observed. Respiratory symptoms are among the most common signs of anxiety, such as hyperventilation which causes feelings of dizziness, there is also a feeling of suffocation, a feeling of not being able to breathe. Rapid breathing decreases the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Muscle symptoms
Anxiety affects the muscular system , with symptoms such as muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders and back, and hand tremors in particular. Prolonged muscle tension, for example in the neck, can be a symptom of anxiety.
Digestive symptoms
If you experience recurring digestive issues, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, it may be related to anxiety. Indeed, digestive symptoms are observed through digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, or conversely, constipation, as well as cramps, bloating, and stomach pain. The digestive system is directly linked to the brain via the enteric nervous system, which explains the direct impact of anxiety on digestion.
Psychological and emotional symptoms
Feeling of fear
Anxiety can also manifest itself with psychological and emotional symptoms, in fact, it can be a feeling of fear . People affected by anxiety may feel an irrational fear, often excessive and which persists over time, such as being afraid for the safety of their loved ones, for no reason. These unfounded fears can have real impacts on a person's life, in particular they can disrupt their daily life.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are also present . Anxiety can disrupt sleep, through insomnia and nightmares. These disorders disrupt the sleep cycle, which is no longer restorative. However, good sleep is essential for managing anxiety and stress, and therefore anxiety.
Difficulty concentrating
Finally, there are difficulties concentrating , as anxiety affects memory and concentration. People affected by this anxiety have difficulty concentrating and tend to frequently forget important information. These forgetfulnesses can amplify anxiety.
Awareness of these numerous psychological symptoms is essential to limit the effects of these anxieties on health.
Hypervigilance and irritability
It can also be hypervigilance and irritability . When a person is hypervigilant, they are in a state of constant alert, so they develop a high sensitivity to noises and movements in their environment. Their brain is constantly trying to protect itself from possible dangers, even if there are none. This hypervigilance exhausts the brain and body, which leads to irritability, in fact, these people overreact to mundane situations.
Behavioral symptoms
Avoidance of stressful situations
Behavioral symptoms related to anxiety are responses to situations perceived as dangerous. These symptoms may include avoiding stressful situations such as work meetings or family gatherings, due to fear of being judged or feeling uncomfortable.
Rituals and tics
Symptoms can also be small rituals like OCD , it is a way for these people to manage their anxieties. OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorders) are extreme manifestations of these behaviors, in fact anxious people are so attached to these rituals that it becomes vital, for example a person who spends his time washing his hands for fear of being contaminated.
Excessive substance use
We also observe the excessive consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, medication, etc. Indeed, anxious people can find in this consumption a way to relieve their anxieties.
Changes in eating habits
It also involves changes in eating habits , such as skipping meals or, conversely, overeating. Because of their anxiety, some people lose their appetite, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, while others snack to calm their anxiety, which can lead to bulimia.
Social isolation
Symptoms of anxiety can include social isolation , which can lead to people avoiding social interaction and isolating themselves to avoid dangerous situations. This isolation can harm a person's personal and professional relationships, making anxiety worse.
Understanding these behavioral symptoms is important for identifying and treating anxiety.
What strategies should be adopted when faced with anxiety symptoms?
There are some strategies to help you best treat anxiety symptoms.
Recognition and acceptance
The first step is recognition and acceptance, you have to identify and recognize the symptoms. Indeed, you have to listen to your body and your emotions and identify the signs: trembling, feelings of fear, headaches, etc. This awareness is essential to be able to accept anxiety, we recognize that it is not just stress, but a pathological illness.
We offer you a quiz to see if you are subject to classic stress or if it perhaps hides anxieties:
- Question 1: What is the main source of your stress right now?
b) Constant and overwhelming personal or professional problems.
- Question 2: How do you react emotionally to stress?
b) I feel anxious, depressed or overwhelmed.
- Question 3: How does this affect your physical health?
b) I have physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, constant fatigue.
- Question 4: How does this affect your performance at work or in your daily activities?
b) My performance level decreases, and I struggle to concentrate.
- Question 5: Do you think you can manage stress effectively?
b) No, I often feel overwhelmed and don't know how to cope.
- Question 6: Do you experience pleasure and satisfaction in your life despite stress?
a) Yes, I enjoy my life and find joy in my activities.
b) No, I often feel overwhelmed and sad.
Results :
-> If you answered mostly with "a's", it is likely that you are experiencing classic stress, which you are able to manage, which is generally positive for your mental and physical health.
-> If you answered mostly with "b's", you may be experiencing anxiety stress , which can have a negative impact on your well-being.
Immediate management techniques
The second step is immediate management techniques . There are simple and effective techniques to quickly relieve these anxieties, such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation. For deep breathing, simply inhale slowly through the nose, then hold the air for a few seconds, and finally exhale through the mouth. This exercise helps slow the heart rate and calm the nervous system.
Long-term strategy
There are also long-term strategies, such as regular physical exercise, which releases feel-good hormones that reduce stress . Meditation also helps us manage our emotions better and therefore improves our ability to manage our anxieties.
The role of diet
The role of diet in reducing anxiety should not be underestimated . Certain foods such as foods rich in omega-3 (nuts, fish, etc.), and foods rich in B vitamins (whole grains, green vegetables, etc.) can help regulate stress and anxiety. There are also wellness products that help reduce these anxieties. Hovie offers a relax range composed of an oil and an infusion, which will help fight stress and reduce anxiety , thanks to its 100% natural products enriched with THC-free CBD which provide overall relaxation of the body and mind, without the risk of addiction or dependency.
