Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by all individuals at some point in their lives. Adolescence is a challenging time in one’s life where continuous changes also come with added stress levels.
Anxiety can be a useful emotion in small doses as it prepares individuals for the so-called ‘fight or flight’ response. However, when anxiety levels become excessive, prolonged and unmanageable, it can lead to mental and even physical health issues among adolescents.
This article will look into how adolescent anxiety is affecting their physical health and explore possible solutions.
Adolescent anxiety and its symptoms
Anxiety is a feeling of unease that can be mild or severe. Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways, and the symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Common signs of anxiety include worrying, restlessness, trouble sleeping, irritability, fatigue, accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating.
How adolescent anxiety affects physical health
Adolescent anxiety can have severe and long-term effects on physical health if left untreated. The impact on physical health is caused by both physiological and behavioral factors.
The following are some of the ways in which adolescent anxiety can affect physical health.
1. Digestive problems
Higher levels of anxiety can cause digestive problems. Anxiety triggers the release of adrenaline, which increases heart rate and respiration.
This reaction can lead to decreased blood flow to the digestive system, causing issues like nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
2. Sleep disorders
Many adolescents with anxiety find it difficult to sleep or have disturbed sleep patterns. This can lead to conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and sleepwalking, which have detrimental effects on overall physical health.
3. Cardiovascular problems
Adolescent anxiety can lead to cardiovascular problems. Anxiety results in the release of stress hormones that cause the heart to pump harder, increase blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in the future.
4. Respiratory problems
Individuals with anxiety disorders often experience rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. If not managed, these symptoms can cause further respiratory problems, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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5. Weak Immune System
Anxiety can weaken the immune system in adolescents. Stress hormones released during anxiety attacks reduce the efficiency of immune cells that protect the body from infections. This makes adolescents more vulnerable to diseases and illnesses.
6. Headaches and Fatigue
Anxiety can trigger headaches, chronic pain, fatigue, and muscle tension. These conditions impair an adolescent’s ability to concentrate, participate in physical activity, and enjoy daily life.
7. Skin disorders
An increase in anxiety levels can also lead to adverse effects on the skin such as rashes, eczema, hives, and itching. This occurs because anxiety leads to a decline in the normal functioning of the body’s circulatory and digestive systems.
Managing adolescent anxiety
Adolescent anxiety can be managed through therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
1. Therapy
Therapy is a beneficial way of managing adolescent anxiety. Therapy options include cognitive-behavioral therapy, group talk, and family therapy.
2. Medication
Medication should be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner, usually a psychiatrist. Medication includes antidepressants, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines.
They are effective in managing severe anxiety symptoms and can have side effects that should be monitored by a medical professional.
3. Lifestyle modifications
Lifestyle modifications can assist in managing anxiety.
Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, reducing intake of caffeine and alcohol, and getting enough sleep are all crucial aspects in managing anxiety levels in adolescents.
Conclusion
Adolescent anxiety can seriously affect physical health.
Digestive problems, sleep disorders, cardiovascular problems, respiratory problems, a weak immune system, headaches and fatigue, and skin disorders are some of the ways that anxiety can affect physical health. It is crucial to identify symptoms of anxiety and manage them to prevent long-term physical health consequences.
A combination of therapeutic evaluations, medication, and lifestyle modifications can assist in managing adolescent anxiety, thus reducing the risks associated with the illness.
