Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States and can lead to excessive worrying, irritability, and fear. The disorder can also cause several physical issues that can make it difficult to move on with your daily life. Here are some of the common physical symptoms of anxiety that you or a loved one may be experiencing.

How Anxiety Affects Your Body

1. Stomach Pain

When you’re nervous, some of the hormones and chemicals released by your body can make their way to your digestive tract and cause discomfort. As a result, many people with anxiety experience stomachaches, nausea, and other digestive issues such as constipation.

2. Insomnia

Anxiety can also make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. You may not be able to stop thinking about your worries, or your physical issues may keep you tossing and turning. If you don’t get enough rest at night, you may be more irritable during the day and have trouble focusing.

3. Weakened Immune System

Some people who have anxiety may also catch colds and other illnesses more frequently. When you’re constantly worrying and not sleeping, your immune system might not function as well and may be more vulnerable to sicknesses.

4. Racing Heart

Those who have been diagnosed with anxiety may notice that their heart speeds up when they're nervous. If you’re dealing with a lot of stress, your adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase your heart rate.

If you need help managing your anxiety, turn to the professionals at Counseling Solutions of Alaska in Anchorage, AK. This clinic provides counseling services for various issues, including depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder, and they truly care about helping their patients get better. These professionals have decades of experience in the field and provide individual, couple, and family therapy. For more information about their services, call (907) 644-8044 or visit their website.