While the symptoms listed below are common, it's essential to recognise that individuals may encounter additional effects related to anxiety that are not covered here
Physical Effects of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in various physical sensations, including:
Churning Feeling in Your Stomach
A sensation of discomfort or unease in the abdomen.
Feeling Light-Headed or Dizzy
Sensation of dizziness or lightheartedness.
Pins and Needles
Tingling or prickling sensations, often felt in extremities.
Restlessness or Inability to Sit Still
A sense of restlessness or difficulty staying calm.
Headaches, Backaches, or Other Aches
Experience of pain in different areas of the body.
Faster Breathing
Rapid or increased breathing rate.
Fast, Thumping, or Irregular Heartbeat
Noticeable changes in heart rate.
Sweating or Hot Flushes
Perspiration or sudden warmth in the body.
Sleep Problems
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Teeth Grinding
Particularly at night, known as bruxism.
Nausea
Feeling queasy or sick.
Changes in Sex Drive
Fluctuations in sexual desire.
Panic Attacks
Intense episodes of fear and anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms.
Mental Effects of Anxiety
Anxiety can also impact one's mental state, leading to various psychological effects such as:
Feeling Tense, Nervous, or Unable to Relax
Persistent sense of tension or inability to unwind.
Sense of Dread or Fear of the Worst
Anticipating negative outcomes or situations.
Time Distortion
Feeling like time is either speeding up or slowing down.
Perception of Being Watched
Believing others notice and judge your anxious state.
Uncontrollable Worrying
Difficulty stopping worrying thoughts.
Anxious About Anxiety
Worrying about when panic attacks might occur.
Seeking Reassurance
Constantly seeking validation and reassurance from others.
Fear of Losing Touch with Reality
Feeling disconnected from oneself or reality.
Low Mood and Depression
Experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Rumination
Repetitive and persistent thoughts about negative experiences.
Depersonalisation
Feeling detached from one's mind or body, as if observing oneself from a distance.
Derealisation
Feeling disconnected from the surrounding world or perceiving it as unreal.
Excessive Worry About the Future
Pervasive concerns about future events.
Other Effects of Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms can be ongoing or intermittent, significantly impacting different aspects of daily life, including:
Self-Care
Challenges in maintaining self-care routines.
Employment
Difficulties in holding down a job due to anxiety-related issues.
Relationships
Struggles in forming or maintaining relationships.
Exploration
Hesitancy in trying new experiences or activities.
Leisure Time
Finding it challenging to enjoy leisure activities.
It's crucial to address anxiety's impact quickly to ensure overall well-being.
Promoting Mental Health at Work
For individuals dealing with anxiety in the workplace, it's essential to prioritise mental well-being. Creating a mentally healthy work environment involves recognising and addressing mental health concerns openly and proactively.
Knowing Your Rights
Discrimination at work due to mental health conditions is unlawful, and everyone deserves fair treatment and support.
Our legal pages on "Discrimination at Work" offer valuable information about your rights in the workplace and how to take action if you experience discrimination.
Driving and Anxiety
For those who drive, certain mental health conditions, including anxiety, might require disclosure to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial when dealing with an anxiety disorder while driving. Our legal pages on "Fitness to Drive" outline the process and guidelines for notifying the DVLA.