Physical Effects
The six most common physical symptoms that are most commonly experienced, according to general prevalence and research, are:
- Faster Breathing: Anxiety often triggers rapid breathing as part of the body's fight-or-flight response.
- Fast, Thumping, or Irregular Heartbeat: A racing heart or palpitations.
- Sweating or Hot Flushes: Sweating and sudden warmth frequently accompany anxious states.
- Churning Feeling in Your Stomach: Stomach discomfort, sometimes described as "butterflies".
- Restlessness or Inability to Sit Still: A sense of restlessness or physical agitation.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Some other symptoms include feeling light-headed or dizzy, pins and needles, headaches, backaches, teeth grinding (bruxism), nausea, panic attacks, and changes in sex drive, although these are less common.
Mental Effects
The six most common mental effects of anxiety that are most frequently experienced, according to general prevalence and research, are:
- 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.
- Uncontrollable Worrying: Difficulty stopping worrying thoughts.
- Anxious About Anxiety: Worrying about when panic attacks might occur.
- Low Mood and Depression: Experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Rumination: Repetitive and persistent thoughts about negative experiences.
Some other mental effects include time distortion, perception of being watched, seeking reassurance, fear of losing touch with reality, depersonalisation, derealisation, and excessive worry about the future, although these are less common.
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.
Anxiety can also affect your decision-making, making it harder to choose between options or feel confident in your choices. It might lead you to avoid social situations out of fear or discomfort, even if they’re important to you. Concentration can also take a hit, as your mind might feel clouded or preoccupied with anxious thoughts. You might experience overwhelming feelings of guilt or irrational fears that feel difficult to shake. Anxiety can also bring intrusive thoughts—unwelcome and often distressing ideas that seem to pop into your mind uninvited. While these effects are less common, they can still significantly impact your day-to-day life.