Stress is a part of everyone’s daily life. Whether you’re a monk in the mountains or an executive on Wall Street, life brings with it curveballs that can’t be avoided. Though there are many that seem to sale through life NBD, there are others who find themselves not only overcome by difficulties, but prisoners in their own minds. These people suffer from what we now know as anxiety, and in order to identify this disorder, there are several symptoms you can look out for that either you, or someone you know, is going through:
Muscle Tension
One of the main symptoms of anxiety is that your muscles tend to tighten. It could be your stomach feeling knotted, or your lungs that are like cement. There is stress in your shoulders and joints. Those who suffer from extreme anxiety may get severely cramped up and not be able to breathe properly.
Digestive Issues
An anxiety attack can bring on severe stomach issues. Those who have suffered from this problem have faced Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The person may feel nauseated and break out into a sweat, leading to a quick dash to the bathroom to relieve herself or himself.
Food Cravings
Anxiety brings on the desire to be comforted and feel safe. This may take the form of eating unhealthy foods like sugary or salty snacks, or those items that are heavy on the stomach. The chemicals in the food, both natural and manufactured, trigger the parts of the brain that make one feel safe and secure.
Mood Swings
Attacks come on at any point in time. They drain the sufferer of any energy and leave them feeling fatigued and in need of deep relaxation. The person may end up feeling irritable and quick-tempered without warning. Those who suffer from anxiety have mood swings that can be compared to bipolarity and manic depression.
Sleep Apnea
Another warning of anxiety is that the person cannot sleep. There may be issues like insomnia followed by prolonged intervals of sleep. Many people who suffer from anxiety end up addicted to medication that unnaturally causes drowsiness and aids sleep.