Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Signs and symptoms of anxiety can vary in combination and severity.
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Stomach or chest pains
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Anxiety commonly manifests in the body. People often feel either chest pains or experience stomach and digestion problems, such as diarrhea.
Feeling overwhelmed
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People with anxiety often feel overwhelmed and helpless. In attempts to ease anxiety, they may check and recheck their actions. They also may not even know why or where their constant anxiety comes from. This can lead to feelings of being on edge.
Confusion
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Anxiety also can cause mental fogginess. People may find it difficult to concentrate or be easily distracted. Anxiety may cause fatigue, further clouding one's ability to make sound decisions.
Moodiness
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Increased irritability is another symptom of anxiety. People may find themselves impatient because they feel pressured and hurried. Sadness and depression, although not always linked with anxiety, are other symptoms.
Allergic reactions
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Sometimes the stress from anxiety may show up as a skin rash, hives or cause an existing condition such as asthma to flare up.
Food and substance abuse
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Food disorders, such as eating too much or too little, are common reactions to anxiety. People also may seek to quell their anxiety with alcohol, cigarettes or other substances.
Problems in the bedroom
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Anxiety is a frequent interrupter of sleep and, left unchecked, can lead to sexual dysfunction.
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