The hidden faces of anxiety

29th February 2024 by Natalie

Anxiety is a beast with many faces. One who can show up in various forms and guises. Most of us will be familiar with the typical symptoms of panic, racing thoughts, shaking and breathlessness. In therapy I've often worked with people who struggle with a much broader range of symptoms, some of which they didn't even know were associated with their anxiety. Sometimes people have seen a wide range of other health professionals before they come to see a Psychologist for help with anxiety. People like massage therapists for muscle tension, dermatologists for a strange rash, even sleep consultants. Understandably people haven't always realised that these things are related to anxiety too and not everyone experiences anxiety which manifests as the type of panic we're probably more used to seeing.

Here are some of the lesser talked about symptoms of anxiety:

Gastrointestinal Distress: It's not uncommon for anxiety to wreak havoc on the digestive system. Symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation can arise, often without an apparent physical cause. This gastrointestinal distress can have a big impact on quality of life.
Muscle Tension and Pain: Anxiety has a way of tightening its grip not only on the mind but also on the body. Chronic muscle tension, headaches, jaw clenching, and backaches are frequently overlooked symptoms of anxiety. These physical manifestations can lead to persistent discomfort and contribute to a cycle of stress and tension.
Hypervigilance and Sensory Sensitivity: Anxiety can heighten our senses to an overwhelming degree, leading to hypervigilance and sensory sensitivity. We might become much more aware of our surroundings, easily startled by noises or sudden movements, or experience heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or touch. This heightened state of arousal can intensify feelings of anxiety and make it challenging to relax or feel at ease.
Difficulties with thinking and memory: Anxiety has a way of distorting reality and clouding our minds with negative thoughts and self-doubt. We might struggle with our ways of thinking, such as catastrophizing, overgeneralization, or black-and-white thinking, which can perpetuate feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. Additionally, anxiety can impair memory and concentration, making it difficult to focus on tasks or recall information accurately.
Irritability: Have you ever been snapped at by someone you later realised was probably feeling anxious? (Yes!). Or perhaps you've bitten someone's head off the night before a big interview? (Guilty!). Anxiety can deplete us of energy and resources which impacts how well some parts of our brain can function…including the part responsible for a filter!
Skin problems: The skin can serve as a canvas for the silent struggles of anxiety. Dermatological symptoms such as rashes, hives, eczema flare-ups, or hair loss can surface during periods of heightened stress and anxiety.

So why does anxiety affect us in these ways? The answer is quite complex, partly because they're things we're continuously researching and finding out more about. But put simply- it's because our minds and bodies are connected. Turns out, our bodies are not just vessels for carrying around our heads after all! There's a connection between the two that functions a bit like two way road. Information from our brains drives down to our bodies, and vice versa (I will do a more detailed blog most about the mind/body link in the future).

It's important to say here that if you do start to experience any physical symptoms, do go and get it checked out by your GP. I wouldn't advise immediately attributing a physical symptom to something like anxiety, it's always worth running it past a medical professional.

It's also worth saying that attributing your stiff neck to anxiety doesn't necessarily mean it's pointless going to see a massage therapist. Complimentary and holistic therapies can be really useful, and I've certainly felt better myself after a visit. However, if you're finding that the symptoms aren't relieved, or keep returning, it might be time to think a little deeper about what might be underlying the issue, and this is where therapy with a psychologist can be really worth exploring.

If you would like some support with anxiety, I can help. Contact me to arrange a free 15 minute consultation.