The side effects of anxiety are dependent on an individual's experience with anxiety. Anxiety can increase a person's motivation, drive to succeed, need to accomplish goals and energy levels. When a person has the ability to use his anxiety for good, the rewards do manifest. But anxiety can also stop a person in his tracks, making it hard for him to accomplish anything or move past the anxiety-inducing situation.
Basics
Anxiety generally results from the stresses, pressures, tensions and worries a person experiences in her daily life. Family issues, health problems, relationships and work deadlines can all increase a person's anxiety level.
Considerations
The personality of the individual and his ability to cope with different sources of anxiety has to be taken into consideration when determining the potential side effects anxiety can have. According to MayoClinic.com, when a person is lacking in resilience, the effects of anxiety can be more severe because the person does not have the natural ability to cope and let go of tensions.
Types
The experience of anxiety can result in various types of side effects. Anxiety can induce physical side effects such as increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tensions, headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal problems and shortness of breath, notes the Anxiety Disorder Association of America, or ADAA. Anxiety can also affect a person's lifestyle. Anxiety may induce insomnia because the person is unable to stop her worries long enough to fall asleep. An increase in anxiety can make it harder for a person to interact with others due to her constant worry.
Interventions
Steps can be taken to reduce the side effects of anxiety. Making lifestyle changes will increase control over anxiety levels. Incorporating exercise into a daily routine will reduce anxiety levels because exercise has natural calming effects, notes HelpGuide.org. Engagement in social activities and relaxation techniques will ward off negative effects, notes HelpGuide.org. Individuals can use relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing and counting to 10, to reduce and control anxiety in the moment, while social engagement will help a person let go of stress and tensions.
Warning
Anxiety can induce significant mental health disorders and mental health treatments may be necessary. If anxiety becomes so severe that it causes significant negative effects on a person's life, then it may be developing into an anxiety disorder. Some potential anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and panic disorder.
In addition, severe anxiety can result in depression. According to the ADAA, it is common for people suffering from anxiety disorders to also battle depression symptoms.
