Here’s How Physical Health and Anxiety Are Linked

The two main areas of your health — physical and mental — rarely exist separately and often overlap. This is certainly the case with anxiety and your physical health, which aren’t only linked, but the connection runs in both directions.

So, for the more than 19% of the adult population in the United States who have an anxiety disorder, here’s what our team at Point of View Mental Health in Scottsdale, Arizona, wants you to know about the physical side of the equation.

Anxiety is a physiological stress response

At the heart of any anxiety disorder is a stress response that’s become overactive. Under normal circumstances, this stress response, also called a fight or flight response, is your body’s way of keeping you out of harm’s way.

When you’re confronted by a perceived threat, your body jumps into action, and stress hormones trigger your sympathetic nervous system. This response is designed to provide your body with the resources it needs to help you stand your ground or flee, including:

• Faster heart rate
• Higher pulse and blood pressure
• More oxygen to your brain for alertness
• A release of glucose for energy
• Pupil dilation

In addition, small airways in your lungs open up, and your digestive tract slows down.

All of these physical reactions, and more, also occur when you’re dealing with anxiety. For example, with generalized anxiety, your body might be stuck in a low-grade stress response that can lead to ongoing physical problems in the form of:

• High blood pressure
• Upset stomach 
• Fatigue
• Sleep issues

Since your body is only designed to be in the stress response mode for short periods, ongoing anxiety can exact a physical toll over time. 

Physical health issues can lead to anxiety

Physical health issues can often lead to anxiety. A large percentage of our adult population — 60% — has at least one chronic health problem, and 40% have two chronic health issues. 

These chronic health conditions include heart disease, diabetes, and other serious issues that can cast a wide net over your health and lead to no small amount of anxiety.

Anxiety in response to health issues is common as you face new challenges and often pain, especially as you age and health issues continue to pile up.

No matter how your anxiety is linked to your physical health, we’re here to support you. Addressing the mental side of the equation improves your mental wellness and often your physical health as well.

For experienced and skilled help with your anxiety, please contact our office at 520-999-9114 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment. Please note that we also offer telemedicine services throughout Arizona.