Anxiety is the feeling of fear and stress and can make you feel frustrated, angry and uneasy. Stress and anxiety can be brought on by any number of reasons and can pose health problems. You may experience psychological and physical effects as well as sleep difficulties.
Psychological Effects
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, stress and anxiety can set you up for psychological illness and even depression. You may feel overwhelmed or cornered and may feel that you do not have control of your life. This feeling along with depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. In addition, stress and anxiety can lead to cases of sudden anger and a violent temper. These conditions can wreak havoc on family life and can also cause problems at work.
Physical Effects
Stress and anxiety can take its toll on your body and lead to physical effects. You may experience fatigue, dizziness and rapid heartbeat and breathing. In addition, you may suffer from bouts of diarrhea or even incontinence. Stress and anxiety can also exacerbate illnesses such as blood sugar or heart conditions, which could require hospitalization.
Sleep Difficulties
According to the Mayo Clinic, stressful life events or stress about work, school or health can lead to insomnia. In addition, the Mayo Clinic reports that simple daily anxieties can lead to sleep disruption, causing you to awaken several times during the night or not fall asleep at all. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, not only can stress and anxiety cause insomnia but can also cause nightmares, which make it even more difficult for you to rest well at night. As a result, many seek professional help for sleep medications; however, relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy, sound therapy or even breathing exercises may work just as well.
