5 Physical Signs of Anxiety

People who struggle with substance use often struggle with anxiety as well — the symptoms of one often exacerbate symptoms of the other. This can become a cycle that makes it more difficult to maintain sobriety long-term.

Anxiety shows up physically as much as it does mentally — and often, the physical symptoms are the first to arise as your body attempts to communicate with you.

It’s important to understand what these signs are so that you can identify them early, respond appropriately, and decrease the chances of leaning on substances to help them.

1: Racing heart

If you notice your heart racing or becoming irregular, this is often a sign of anxiety. While it’s important to talk to your doctor about other reasons you may be experiencing these changes, if related to anxiety, use this as a cue to remove yourself from a situation, redirect your thinking, or reach out to someone to discuss what’s making you anxious.

2: Chills

A sudden onset of chills can also indicate anxiety. This is the result of your body’s “fight or flight” mechanism kicking into gear, resulting in a jolt of adrenaline. If you often experience chills or cold sweats in reaction to specific circumstances or thoughts, this may be an early indicator of anxiety.

3: Sleep trouble

Sleep is a fundamental part of our wellness; when it is disrupted, often every other area of our life is too! It is also an important element of maintaining sobriety. Many people that struggle with anxiety also report sleep challenges — either too much or too little. Whether you lie awake with a relentless stream of thoughts or struggle to get out of bed each morning, it is worth considering if these things are related to anxiety.

4: Digestive issues

It is easy to write off stomach issues as related to something you ate or as a result of substance withdrawal or other use, but these uncomfortable struggles are often tied to anxiety as well. Persistent worry can slow down digestion, causing symptoms such as nausea, gas, or pain.

5: Panic attacks

Panic attacks are intense episodes of anxiety that include a number of physical symptoms such as chest pain, lightheadedness, trouble breathing, and numb or tingling sensations. Often, panic attacks come after the onset of the other symptoms discussed above when anxiety has continued to increase.

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Your body is a great communicator — if you have been experiencing some of the physical signs of anxiety discussed in this article, it is possible that this may be a contributing factor to challenges with substance use or other behaviors. Speak with a doctor, therapist, or other provider about ways to mitigate these symptoms as another way to invest in your journey to recovery and a meaningful sober life.