Anxiety disorders generally respond very well to treatment, but only about one-third of patients who are suffering from this spectrum of conditions will seek treatment. In the meantime, a person struggles through decreased productivity at work, a withdrawal from home and family life, and a long-term toll on the body. While anxiety disorders are classified as mental disorders, strong evidence shows that the effects of such conditions are quite physical, and quite serious. Chronic anxiety can lead to a range of disorders that includes depression, insomnia, obesity, memory loss, and skin conditions like eczema, as well as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Anxiety Is No Small Thing
A 2012 population-based study conducted by University College London (UCL) and published in the British Medical Journal shone a light on the physical toll that even mild mental health problems can have on the body, problems that ultimately lead to a lower life expectancy. The study surveyed data from more than 68,000 adults 35 and older, looking for trends among those people who had reported feeling anxiety or depression during the course of the study. The findings were clear: those with anxiety and depression were statistically more likely to have died over the course of an eight-year period from a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
The study also showed that the risks associated with anxiety and depression were both primary and secondary. Stress took a toll on the body, with patients reporting a higher risk of unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet. In turn, these lifestyle behaviors led to a higher rate of diabetes. Patients were also less likely to maintain a healthy exercise routine.
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Cardiovascular Wear and Tear
Stress causes a physical response in the body, where stress hormones, like cortisol, are released into the bloodstream to trigger a fight-or-flight response. For example, this physical response is useful when you awake in the middle of the night to a room full of smoke, or when you find yourself in front of an oncoming car and need a jolt of adrenaline to get yourself out of harm’s way. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster, breathing rate to increase (to get more oxygen to the body in times of emergency), and blood pressure and muscle tension increase. The body also releases high levels of free fatty acids and sugars to provide the body with a quick jolt of energy.
Unfortunately, anxiety and chronic stress cause these hormones to be released regularly, and our cardiovascular systems aren’t designed to handle these high levels on a regular basis. This causes extreme wear and tear on the heart and blood vessels, which can increase our risk for a number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
Neurological Damage
Long-term stress or chronic anxiety can cause the body neurological damage as well, from the cyclical adrenaline rushes we experience. It can cause the body to oxidize its tissues, which can lead to inflammation - causing headaches, sore, stiff muscles, and ulcers. Over time, this damage can accelerate the aging process in the body, and even shrink brain tissue. This damage leads to memory loss and concentration problems, among others problems.
Immune System Damage
Regular release of cortisol and adrenaline can also cause damage to your immune system, which can leave you vulnerable to contracting a number of illnesses. It can also result in longer recovery times and complications. According to The Calm Clinic, the body suppresses the immune system during periods of intense stress because it is redirecting your body’s resources to emergency systems, such as increasing heart rate and respiration, and away from the non-emergency systems, such as the T-cells and white blood cells that provide immunity and combat disease.
Poor Lifestyle Choices
Chronic anxiety may also cause sufferers to make poor lifestyle choices that leave them susceptible to diseases. Studies have shown links between chronic stress and risky behaviors, including smoking, drinking, aggressive driving, and poor dietary choices.
Digestive Disorders
People who suffer from chronic anxiety also face a range of digestive disorders. Just as with the immune system, the digestive system is suppressed during a fight-or-flight response, with the resources for the muscles that manage digestion diverted to other body functions. As a result, you may have short-term complications, such as constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, or related conditions. This can also cause a flourish of bad bacteria in the digestive tract, which can affect the strength of your stomach and overall digestive health.
Depression And Suicide
People who suffer from chronic anxiety are also more likely to develop depression or experience suicidal thoughts because of an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or the stress of constant worry. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, you should seek the help of a mental health professional. And if you begin experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.