Key Takeaways
- Anxiety often manifests through sleep disturbances – such as insomnia or frequent nightmares.
- Chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s rest, can be a sign of underlying anxiety.
- Digestive issues (e.g., stomach aches, nausea), muscle tension, and persistent aches are common physical signs of anxiety.
- A Mission for Michael (AMFM) is a treatment center that provides evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help adults manage mental health challenges like anxiety.
Recognizing anxiety can be challenging, especially since it can intertwine with our daily stresses. Anxiety doesn’t just affect the mind – it often has physical, social, and emotional signs that are hard to ignore. Understanding them can help with early intervention and effective management
#1 Sleep Disturbances
One of the first signs you might notice if you’re dealing with anxiety is trouble sleeping. This could mean having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up frequently during the night.
When you lie in bed, your mind might race with thoughts or worries – making it hard to drift off. This can cause a cycle where the lack of sleep increases anxiety, and anxiety further disrupts sleep. Sometimes, you may even have vivid or disturbing dreams that disrupt your rest.
| A Mission For Michael: Expert Mental Health Care Founded in 2010, A Mission For Michael (AMFM) offers specialized mental health care across Southern California, Washington, and Virginia. Our accredited facilities provide residential and outpatient programs, utilizing evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. Our dedicated team of licensed professionals ensures every client receives the best care possible, supported by accreditations from The Joint Commission and the California Department of Health Care Services. We are committed to safety and personalized treatment plans. Start your recovery journey with AMFM today! |
#2 Persistent Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, even after getting what seems like enough sleep, can be another telltale sign of anxiety. Besides physical tiredness, mental fatigue may also make it hard to concentrate or stay motivated at work or school.
#3 Digestive Issues
Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach before a big event or presentation? This is a common response to anxiety. However, if you frequently experience other types of digestive issues like stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, or even changes in appetite, anxiety might be the underlying cause.
When you’re anxious, your body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in and sends cortisol and adrenaline throughout your system. This can disrupt normal digestive processes and even worsen existing gastrointestinal problems, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
#4 Muscle Tension
Muscle tension is a common sign of anxiety, leaving your muscles feeling tight or sore even without exercise. This type of anxiety-related tension usually occurs in the neck, shoulders, and back.
#5 Chronic Aches
Chronic aches (e.g. headaches, back pain, or even generalized muscle soreness) are a frequent complaint among those living with anxiety. These aches occur because anxiety often causes the body to tense up – leading to continual discomfort over time.
#6 Social Withdrawal
Anxiety often causes social withdrawal. You’ll want to isolate yourself from even close friends and family – leading to loneliness and difficulty seeking support.
Some types of anxiety like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder may even cause you to be homebound.
#7 Decision-Making Difficulties
When anxiety is present, even simple decisions can feel monumental. For example, choosing what to eat for dinner might be overwhelming.
You may overthink every choice – worrying about potential outcomes or fearing the wrong decision. This indecisiveness can make simple tasks difficult and add to your overall stress levels.
Get Compassionate Anxiety Care at AMFM
“We see the person behind the diagnosis. Here, you’re not a patient with a condition to cure, you’re a human with a life worth rebuilding.”
When anxiety feels unbearable, finding the right care is essential. At A Mission for Michael (AMFM), we focus on adults experiencing severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Our approach combines evidence-based treatments like CBT with holistic therapies like art and music therapy in a serene environment designed for healing.
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. Take the first step toward calm and clarity – contact us today to learn more about our programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are common anxiety symptoms?
Common anxiety symptoms include persistent worry, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms might present themselves as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, and gastrointestinal issues.
How does anxiety affect sleep?
Anxiety can significantly impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue and increased stress levels. Symptoms of sleep disturbance may include:
- Difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts or worries.
- Frequent awakenings during the night, leading to disrupted sleep.
- Experiencing vivid or disturbing dreams that interrupt rest.
Can anxiety cause physical pain?
Yes, anxiety can manifest as physical pain. Common areas affected include the head, neck, shoulders, and back. Muscle tension caused by anxiety can lead to chronic aches and discomfort.
What is A Mission for Michael (AMFM)?
A Mission for Michael (AMFM) is a mental health treatment provider based in Southern California that provides evidence-based therapies for adults with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
