Last week, I found myself in a triggering situation. A disagreement with a relative over the phone and via email ignited a familiar spiral of anxiety that I had thought I had largely overcome. As someone who has dealt with anxiety for most of my life, I had recently been managing it well—stopping panic attacks before they overwhelmed me and prioritizing self-care while making life choices that suit my sensitive nature.
However, when my anxiety was triggered last week, I observed the physical toll it took on my body. First came the rapid heartbeat—pounding like a drum in my ears, racing so fast it felt like a thousand beats per minute. Then came the sweating and the sensation that my heart was pushing its way up my throat. I struggled to catch my breath as it became tight and labored. Not long after, my stomach issues flared up (thanks to my IBS, stress often sends me running to the bathroom).
Even after the initial panic subsided, it took me an entire week to feel like myself again. My muscles were sore, I was incredibly thirsty, and my digestive issues persisted for several days. To top it off, I developed a migraine with an aura three days post-attack. And let’s not forget the insomnia that accompanied it all—just what I needed to help me relax!
When we experience anxiety or a panic attack, it’s easy to focus solely on the panic itself or the trigger that set it off. We often overlook the chaos it unleashes on our bodies. As explained by WebMD, excessive worry activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can cause a slew of frustrating physical symptoms, including rapid heart rate, headaches, trembling, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Additionally, prolonged stress can lead to serious health consequences, such as a weakened immune system, short-term memory loss, and even heart disease. And for those of us struggling with anxiety, this only adds another layer of worry.
Realizing the impact my anxiety had on my body last week made me grateful that such instances are becoming less frequent for me. I also recognized the importance of avoiding situations that could trigger such severe reactions whenever possible. As someone who has dealt with anxiety for years, I commit to managing it through consistent exercise, meditation, therapy, and medication—these are as essential to my life as eating, drinking, and paying my bills.
I understand that confronting anxiety can feel insurmountable. One of the cruelest tricks anxiety plays is convincing you that there’s no escape, whispering that you are trapped in its grasp. Panic about panic takes hold, leading you to believe that you are destined to endure a life filled with distressing thoughts.
But remember: that voice isn’t you. You are not defined by your anxiety; you are a person living with an anxiety disorder. Each of us deserves to feel better, and there are numerous options available for managing symptoms, whether through therapy, medication, or other resources. Professionals are ready to support you in figuring out what works best for you.
Please take your mental health seriously. The devastation caused by untreated anxiety serves as a natural warning sign—this isn’t how we’re meant to feel on a daily basis. Ignoring your anxiety can lead to significant consequences, and seeking help is not selfish. So, make that appointment. Don’t put it off for tomorrow or next week. Start your journey to feeling better today, and you’ll wish you had sought help sooner.
For those interested in related topics, check out our comprehensive guide on at-home insemination kits here. It’s crucial to take action for your mental health, as there are plenty of resources out there to support you.
Summary
Anxiety and panic disorders can inflict serious physical symptoms, from rapid heartbeat and digestive issues to migraines and insomnia. Recognizing the impact of anxiety on our bodies is essential, as is taking proactive steps toward management through self-care, therapy, and medication. Seeking help should be a priority, and there are numerous resources available to assist you.