What Most Don’t Realize About Anxiety

While most are familiar with the standard symptoms, there’s a whole side of anxiety that often goes unnoticed by sufferers and even health care professionals. 

Drew Pittman, PMHNP, at Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, specializes in all types of anxiety and helping patients cope with and overcome its debilitating symptoms. 

He offers telehealth services in Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and Massachusetts, as well as prescription medications, natural remedies, and counseling. 

In his years of experience, he’s discovered that many people don’t fully understand the nuances and far-reaching effects of anxiety, so he’s developed this guide to explain the lesser-known facts.

1. Anxiety takes a physical toll 

Anxiety doesn’t just impact your mind; it affects you physically, including headaches, muscle tension, and even stomach issues. 

When your body stays in a state of heightened alert, your sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive. Over time, this can lead to hypertension and heart disease. 

2. The anxiety-depression connection

Anxiety and depression often coexist, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. Both conditions share similar symptoms, like fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. However, they affect your brain differently, making them challenging to diagnose and treat simultaneously.

3. Anxiety might be in your genes

If someone in your family has an anxiety disorder, you’re more likely to develop one yourself. 

Advancements in genetic testing can help identify your predisposition to anxiety disorders. Knowing your genetic risk makes you aware of what to look for and get help early.

4. Anxiety and anger often go together

Anxiety doesn’t just cause fear and worry; it can also lead to anger and irritability. When you’re constantly on edge, minor annoyances can trigger major emotional reactions.

Deep breathing, mindfulness, and professional therapy can help you manage anxiety-induced anger. 

5. Anxiety affects your memory

Chronic anxiety can impair your memory, making it harder to focus and retain information because the constant state of alertness leads to brain fog, making it hard to concentrate. 

6. Exercise is an anxiety buster

Physical activity releases endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters, and reduces muscle tension and stress.

7. Anxiety can give you cold feet and hands

Have you ever noticed your hands and feet getting cold when you’re anxious? It happens because your body redirects blood flow to vital organs in response to stress. While it’s a natural reaction, chronic anxiety can lead to perpetually cold extremities.

8. Your diet can help or hinder anxiety symptoms

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Conversely, excessive caffeine and sugar can exacerbate anxiety.

While foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics reduce anxiety symptoms, excessive caffeine and sugar can exacerbate it. 

A balanced diet is your best friend when dealing with anxiety. 

9. Sleep affects anxiety, and anxiety affects sleep

If you don’t get adequate shuteye, your coping strategies go out the window, and it’s tough to manage your anxiety symptoms. 

On the other hand, good sleep prepares your body and mind to battle anxiety, so stick to a regular sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and avoid stimulants before bed.

10. Anxiety medication can help

Medications can be a game-changer for anxiety, but each works differently, and the results vary from person to person. Although he typically starts with natural remedies and lifestyle changes, Drew may recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat your anxiety, but he doesn’t prescribe benzodiazepines. 

Combining medication with therapy is the best option for many. 

11. There are  many types of anxiety disorders 

Another thing many people don’t realize about anxiety is that it comes in several types. Here are the most common anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder: excessive worry, fear, and feeling constantly overwhelmed
• Panic disorder: unexpected panic attacks, racing heart, and sweating
• Phobia: fear of specific things, thoughts, or situations
• Agoraphobia: a phobia with its own diagnosis — fear of open spaces and crowds
• Social anxiety: fear of being judged by others 
• Selective mutism: intense anxiety that compels you not to speak
• Separation anxiety: triggered by separation from a loved one or caregiver

Regardless of the type of anxiety disorder, Drew can help you manage your symptoms and live a fuller, more relaxed life through telehealth sessions and ongoing support. 

Call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness or book online to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward an anxiety-free life.