Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Anxiety

Everyone has worries and pangs of anxiety. It's when anxiety becomes constant that it might be a chronic problem. Chronic anxiety interrupts daily life. This tension and exaggerated state of worry can lead to physical and mental health issues. Chronic anxiety is often diagnosed when it is present over a six-month period of time. Signs and symptoms of chronic anxiety vary.

Stomach issues

• People with chronic anxiety may find that they suffer from diarrhea, nausea, heartburn or stomach ache.

Confusion

• People with chronic anxiety complain of an inability to focus and say they are easily distracted. Others find that their mind has a tendency to go blank. They may feel restless.

Chest pain

• Discomfort around or with the heart, shortness of breath or heart palpitations can be signs of chronic anxiety.

Insomnia

• With worry on overdrive, people find it difficult to sleep or return to sleep after waking in the night.

Allergic reaction

• Asthma attacks may occur more frequently and skin rashes or hives could appear.

Irritability

• Irritability and impatience can strike without warning.

Feelings of doom

• An endless loop of fearful thoughts may play in a person's head. Thoughts such as: dying of a heart attack, being humiliated, or of something terrible happening, abound.