According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “an estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year.” The effects often linger and can influence all aspects of daily life. A few ways that anxiety can affect your ability to function include the following:
- Heightened stress levels
- Increased blood pressure
- Trauma-related reactions to triggers including intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
- Mood swings
- Hyperactivity often followed by extreme exhaustion
- Muscle aches and headaches
- An overwhelming sense of fear or impending doom
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
According to information provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), “people with anxiety disorders respond to certain objects or situations with fear and dread.” Physical reactions occur in the body, including higher heart rate, hyperarousal, sweating, and increased adrenaline. The DHHS goes on to state that “an anxiety disorder is diagnosed if a person:
- Has an inappropriate response to a situation
- Cannot control the response
- Has an altered way of life due to the anxiety”
How Anxiety Can Affect Recovery
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that “symptoms may get better or worse at different times, and they are often worse during times of stress, such as with a physical illness, during exams at school, or during a family or relationship conflict.”
Chronic anxiety can have a noticeable effect on your physical and mental health. In addition to increasing the risk of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder, long-term anxiety can also lead to several health concerns, including:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal issues
- Increased risk of self-harming behaviors
- Decreased quality of life