Anxiety goes way beyond feeling a little nervous and jittery. This mental setback can be debilitating for many, altering oneโs life in numerous ways. Below are just some of the many ways anxiety can have a negative impact on someone daily.
1. Social Isolation
Often, the perfectionist in the anxious individual will do anything to prevent an awkward interaction or embarrassing situation. Usually, the solution to that would be to avoid an outing or social gathering altogether.
Another reason anxious individuals often choose to social isolation is because the noise and general overstimulation that social gatherings bring can be triggers for their anxiety. From anxiety twitching or shaking to full-blown panic attacks, loud and crowded situations are usually a no-go.
2. Relationship Issues
Social isolation can be one reason for difficulties in romantic relationships. However, a current relationship can also suffer due to oneโs anxiety disorder. Anxiety often causes self-doubt, a need for constant reassurance, and a fear of abandonment, which can make one feel insecure in their relationship.
3. Lowered Self-Confidence
Individuals with anxiety often underestimate themselves and feel nervous when having to do something or meet someone for the first time. Their reduced confidence may cause them to miss out on opportunities like getting a job, going on a date, or attending an event.
Unfortunately, this cycle is hard to break as low self-confidence can cause anxiety, and anxiety can create low self-confidence. Resolving one issue usually improves the other as the two play hand-in-hand.
4. Digestive Problems
Anxiety has a tendency to wreak havoc on oneโs digestive system. Anxious individuals may frequently deal with stomach aches, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. This is because anxiety creates a fight-or-flight reaction, even in the gut. In turn, digestion can either speed up or slow down depending on how the body responds.
5. Reduced Quality of Sleep
An anxious mind with racing thoughts can easily lead to struggling to fall or stay asleep. The body may be tired, but the mind remains active. Not only is insomnia more likely in those with anxiety, but they may also be more likely to experience nightmares.
6. Higher Chances of Addiction
Because of how difficult it can be to deal with anxiety, those with the condition may be more likely to abuse alcohol or other substances as a way to cope. Abusing these substances may temporarily eliminate their anxiety, give them more confidence, and make them feel like they fit in more. However, their anxiety not only returns but is often worse after the fact.
7. Weakened Immune System
When the body is in a frequent state of stress, its ability to defend the body from infection and illness decreases. Thus, people dealing with chronic anxiety may find themselves more likely to get sick and find wounds taking longer to heal.
Conclusion
Having an anxiety disorder can create many barriers in oneโs life. From reducing oneโs level of self-confidence to increasing oneโs chances of addiction, anxiety can be detrimental in more ways than one. On a brighter note, proper treatment of oneโs anxiety can improve the latter impacts.
