Anxiety is a very common disorder and can occur in all age groups, notes the National Institutes of Health. Anxiety sometimes impedes the ability to function normally at work or in social situations. The condition can occur sporadically or be an ongoing problem and there are a variety of side effects that can occur with anxiety.
Fear of Judgment
Fear of judgment is a common side effect of anxiety, notes the National Institutes of Health. This fear often causes a person to skip involvement in activities that bring on anxiety. It can impact the ability to hold onto a job and will often also damage friendships and relationships. Sometimes anxiety will be so intense and ongoing that it develops into a social phobia.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety often causes strong physical symptoms, notes the National Institutes of Health. Some symptoms of anxiety include a racing heart, shakiness, sweating, blushing, extreme mental and physical alertness, dry mouth and problems communicating with other people due to tenseness of the body and mouth. These symptoms of anxiety can be ongoing or may appear sporadically.
Panic Attack
A panic attack can occur during a period of feeling anxious, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians. An anxiety attack will typically linger for about 5 to 30 minutes. During the attack, a person will often experience chest pressure and a thumping heart, problems breathing, nausea, a feeling of distance from reality, a feeling of shakiness and intense fear, among other symptoms.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common effect of anxiety. A mind that is whirling with anxious thoughts will have a problem settling down to sleep. Anxiety deprives the mind of the calmness needed to rest fully and effectively. Thus the body develops a lack of energy due to diminished amounts of sleep during times of anxiety.
Headaches
Headaches often arise as an effect of anxiety, notes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A headache can add to the feeling of being overwhelmed by anxiety. Speak to a doctor if the headaches are impeding ability to work or to enjoy life.
Member Comments