EFFECTS OF ANXIETY ON OUR BODY AND MENTAL HEALTH

 

Studies have shown that anxiety can have both positive and negative impact on our body makeup. This is largely determined by the kind of stress responses to anxiety. That is, if it is short-term or long-term.

Short-term anxiety helps us focus. This occurs through the release of hormones and the concentrating blood flow to our brain. Contrarily, long-term anxiety caused by stress and worry about current situations such as failure to get a dream job, cut in pay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, heartbreak from a relationship or even loss of a loved one has adverse effects on both our psychological and physical health. 

Here are some of the negative effects of anxiety. 

A) RESPIRATORY ISSUES

Chronic anxiety prevents one from breathing properly. When you are repeatedly anxious, the amount of oxygen you take in surpasses the carbon dioxide you breathe out, thereby limiting the flow of blood to your brain. This results in an unhealthy breathing pattern and dizziness. Anxiety also makes the asthma condition, if had, worse.

B) INCREASED RISK OF HEART DISEASES

Anxiety disorder causes high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. It also raises the risk of a Cardiovascular Disease including Coronary heart disease. 

C) WEAKENING OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 

While normal anxiety helps our body function effectively by triggering our flight-or-fight stress response and releasing hormones such as adrenaline into our system, long-term anxiety weakens our immune system and exposes us to infections and illnesses.

D) PREVENTS DIGESTION

Anxiety has a devastating effect on digestion and excretion. It prevents proper digestion of food resulting in digestive and stomach illness including abdominal cramping, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

E) MEMORY LOSS

Imagine sitting for an exam and forgetting all you've studied. It's killing, right? Anxiety Disorder causes amnesia and deprives one of having an active, sound and retentive memory. It can also prevent you from making important life-changing decisions and weakens your overall performance.

F) DIFFICULTY TO SOCIALIZE

Anxiety Disorder can make you withdraw from family and friends and isolate yourself from things you once cherished. This withdrawal gradually leads to a feeling of nothingness, helplessness, rejection and low self-esteem. As a consequence, you might find yourself feeling depressed, unhappy, having suicidal thoughts and even gaining unhealthy weight.

Conclusively, a persistent state of anxiety hurts both our physical and mental health. It weakens our fitness, deprives us of proper relaxation and causes memory and weight loss, amongst other negative effects. 

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