READ THIS NEXT: These Are the Only 2 Supplements That Help You Live Longer, Study Finds. Unfortunately, individuals struggling with anxiety disorders are usually no strangers to chronic pain. They are often linked together because of how much anxiety manifests within the body. “GAD is the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder in chronic pain populations,” reports the National Library of Medicine (NIH). “The coexistence of pain and anxiety is perhaps not surprising: Both signal impending danger and the necessity for action which confer survival value to the individual.” Joanna Briggs, a registered nurse and medical consultant at Jugo Feed suggests that chronic pain is caused by the inflammation that anxiety and stress triggers within you. “Inflammation from the stress response is one of the most common causes of chronic pain,” she says. “It affects the entire body. Anxiety also causes people to hyper-focus on the pain, making chronic pain even more debilitating.” Chronic pain is something you should never ignore: ADA recommends using cognitive-behavioral therapy, breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and exercise to help with your symptoms. “The stress, lack of sleep, and constant muscle tension associated with anxiety can contribute to anxiety headaches,” says Briggs. We’ve all had a piercing headache after a particularly stressful day at work or long night out. But for individuals dealing with anxiety, they can become all too common. According to ADAA, “Headaches can be a common symptom—and sometimes a good indicator—of an anxiety disorder, particularly generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. And chronic co-occurring headaches can make functioning even more difficult for someone with an anxiety disorder.” For more health news sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Picture this: It’s midnight and you have to be awake by six a.m. But instead of falling asleep with ease, you are wrecked with anxious thoughts about well, everything, including not getting enough sleep. According to Sleep Foundation, “Anxiety is frequently connected to sleeping problems. Excess worry and fear make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Sleep deprivation can worsen anxiety, spurring a negative cycle involving insomnia and anxiety disorders.” Lack of sleep can also effect other parts of your body leading to more problems. “Anxiety can cause difficulty sleeping, leading to insomnia, which can have its own set of physical health issues, such as a weakened immune system, increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of depression and other mental health issues,” says Alyssa Roberts, senior writer at Practical Psychology. Anxiety can also play a part in spiking our blood pressure, which can cause a host of other issues.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “Episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic, temporary spikes in blood pressure,” reports the Mayo Clinic. “And if those temporary spikes occur frequently, such as every day, they can cause damage to blood vessels, the heart and kidneys, as can chronic high blood pressure.” Every day anxiety is something that should be taken seriously. Not only does it cause immediate distress, it may lead to larger heart problems if left untreated. “Anxiety causes a pro-inflammatory state and is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. If left uncontrolled, it can even contribute to developing coronary heart disease” says Briggs. READ THIS NEXT: Drinking This Popular Beverage Can Slash Your Bad Cholesterol, Experts Says. Many of us have experienced that uneasy feeling in our stomachs when we are about to speak in front of hundreds of people or finish up a major assignment. But for folks who have anxiety, this can be a daily occurrence. “Anxiety can manifest as digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux,” says Nathan Fisher, owner of Achieve Health and Wellness. “These can be caused by by an increase in stress hormones, which can increase motility in the digestive tract, causing these symptoms.” The rising of anxiety levels can also exacerbate digestive diseases like IBS. “Those that experience digestive problems from anxiety can then become anxious about the symptoms,” says Briggs. “This increases anxiety levels and in turn more digestive problems.”
