Why Does Anxiety Make Me Feel Physically Unwell?

Anxiety can make you feel physically unwell, even when the thing making you anxious isn’t physical.

You might feel sick, dizzy, shaky, exhausted or notice your heart beating faster.

This can be worrying in itself, particularly if you don’t immediately realise that anxiety may be contributing to how you feel.

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

When you feel anxious or frightened, your body prepares itself to respond.

It releases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Your heart rate and breathing may change, you can become more alert and your muscles may tense.

This response can be useful when you’re facing danger.

But your body can also respond to worry, uncertainty or something you’re thinking about, even when there is no immediate physical threat.

The physical feelings you experience are real.

CAN ANXIETY MAKE YOU FEEL SICK?

It can.

Anxiety can affect your stomach and digestion. Some people experience:

• feeling sick or nauseous
• stomach cramps
• indigestion
• changes in appetite
• diarrhoea or constipation

You might notice this before a difficult meeting, while waiting for important news or when you’re particularly worried about something.

CAN ANXIETY MAKE YOU FEEL DIZZY OR LIGHT-HEADED?

Some people feel dizzy or light-headed when they’re anxious.

Changes in breathing can contribute to this. You may not even realise that your breathing has become quicker or shallower.

Feeling dizzy can then make you worry that something is wrong, increasing your anxiety further.

WHY DOES MY HEART BEAT FASTER WHEN I’M ANXIOUS?

A faster or more noticeable heartbeat can be part of your body’s response to feeling anxious or frightened.

Noticing your heartbeat can sometimes make you focus on it even more.

That can create a cycle:

You feel anxious → you notice a physical sensation → you worry about the sensation → you feel more anxious.

Recognising this cycle may help you understand what’s happening.

CAN ANXIETY MAKE YOU FEEL TIRED?

Feeling anxious can be exhausting.

If you’re spending lots of time worrying, struggling to relax, sleeping badly or feeling constantly alert, you may find that you have less energy.

Your mind may feel tired too, making it harder to concentrate or make decisions.

WHAT CAN I TRY?

Slow things down.Give yourself a few minutes to breathe slowly and comfortably.

Move your attention.Try focusing on something around you rather than repeatedly checking how your body feels.

Release tension.Notice whether you’re tensing your shoulders, jaw or other muscles and gently relax them.

Look after the basics.Regular meals, sleep, gentle activity and taking breaks can all support your general wellbeing.

DON’T ASSUME EVERY SYMPTOM IS ANXIETY

Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, but physical symptoms can also have many other causes.

Don’t self-diagnose.

If you’re experiencing new, unexplained, persistent or concerning symptoms, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

What are the physical symptoms of anxiety?
Why do I feel anxious for no obvious reason?
Simple breathing exercises for anxiety
Grounding techniques
Anxiety and sleep

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE?

Sometimes it can help to talk things through.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.