Most of us expect anxiety to live in our minds—racing thoughts, excessive worry, that feeling you just can’t relax. But for many people, anxiety shows up in the body just as intensely. The truth is, anxiety symptoms—physical ones—can be just as disruptive, confusing, and frightening as the emotional kind.
At Neurish Wellness, a mental health treatment center in Orange County, CA, we understand that anxiety disorders are not “just in your head.” Whether you’re experiencing panic attacks, chronic tension, or overwhelming intense fear, your body is trying to tell you something. Our expert team of clinicians helps clients reconnect with their minds and bodies, building a path toward lasting recovery.
If you’re experiencing the following physical symptoms, don’t brush them off. Here are 7 signs your anxiety may have turned physical—and why they deserve your attention.
1. Chest Pain or Pounding Heart
Sharp chest pain or a rapid heartbeat is one of the most alarming symptoms of anxiety. It can feel like a medical emergency, triggering even more fear. While it’s essential to rule out heart disease or other medical conditions, it’s also one of the hallmark signs of panic disorder and intense fight or flight response.
Neurish provides safe, calming crisis stabilization for clients overwhelmed by panic attacks and physical distress.
2. Trouble Breathing or Rapid Breathing
If you’ve ever felt like you can’t get a full breath during a stressful moment, you’re not alone. Rapid breathing and air hunger are common physical symptoms of anxiety, especially during intense anxiety episodes or when your autonomic nervous system is on high alert.
Practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help—but so can professional care that addresses the root causes.
3. Upset Stomach or Digestive Issues
An upset stomach, nausea, or digestive upset may not seem like obvious symptoms of anxiety, but they often are. Your gut and brain are deeply connected. When anxiety flares, so can inflammation, acid production, or spasms in the GI tract.
If you find that nerves regularly interfere with eating, digestion, or appetite, a mental health professional can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
4. Muscle Tension and Body Aches
Constant jaw clenching, tight shoulders, or unexplained back pain? These may be your body’s way of coping with constant anxiety. Muscle tension is often the result of being stuck in a prolonged stress response, and it can compound until physical discomfort becomes chronic.
At Neurish, we treat both the psychological aspects and physical symptoms of anxiety with a whole-person, integrative approach.
5. Dizziness or Feeling Faint
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady can occur when anxiety interferes with your breathing, blood pressure, or blood sugar. These episodes can feel frightening—especially when they mimic signs of more serious medical illness—but they’re often linked to panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder.
A full medical and psychiatric assessment is key to understanding what’s truly going on.
6. Fatigue and Low Energy
Living in a heightened state of excessive anxiety is exhausting. Over time, your body may feel worn out, your mind cloudy, and your motivation depleted. Many people also experience difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, and depression alongside fatigue—leading to overlapping diagnoses like anxiety and depression association findings suggest.
That’s why Neurish screens for co-occurring mental health conditions and other mental health disorders, ensuring that no aspect of your care is overlooked.
7. Increased Anxiety About Physical Health
Sometimes, the physical symptoms of anxiety create a vicious cycle: you feel pain or discomfort, you feel anxious about what it means, and that anxiety makes the symptoms worse. For some, this turns into health anxiety, where every new sensation feels like a sign of actual danger or medical illness.
This is especially common in clients with panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder—all of which are treatable at Neurish Wellness.
When to Seek Help
If your anxiety is showing up in your body, it’s time to talk to a mental health provider or trusted primary care provider. You don’t have to wait until your symptoms are “severe enough.” Any form of suffering deserves support.
At Neurish Wellness, we specialize in helping clients who feel stuck, unseen, or misunderstood. Our luxury program in Orange County offers in-depth diagnostics, customized treatment, and trauma-informed care in a serene, supportive setting.
You Don’t Have to “Push Through” Physical Anxiety
Whether you’re experiencing severe anxiety, subtle yet persistent discomfort, or a mix of emotional and physical symptoms, you deserve relief.
Contact Neurish Wellness today to speak with a compassionate team member. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening in your mind and body—and help you finally find balance, clarity, and peace.
FAQs About Anxiety and Physical Symptoms
How are anxiety disorders classified among mental disorders?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders, and include conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia. These disorders are recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, which sets the standard for diagnosis and treatment across the mental health field.
What can trigger anxiety disorders?
A variety of factors can trigger anxiety disorders, including genetics, brain chemistry, chronic stress, or a traumatic event. In some cases, even subtle anxiety cues—like a particular smell, place, or situation—can reignite symptoms long after the initial stressor has passed.
Can chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cause anxiety symptoms?
Yes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic medical conditions can mimic or intensify physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness. These overlapping symptoms can increase emotional distress and make anxiety worse, especially without proper care coordination.
What is the most common anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is considered the most common anxiety disorder, characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things. People with GAD often experience fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and other symptoms that can disrupt daily functioning.
What is the least common anxiety disorder?
Selective mutism is one of the least common anxiety disorders, typically seen in children who are unable to speak in certain social settings despite having the ability to speak normally in others. It’s often related to social phobia or specific phobias, and requires specialized care and early intervention.
What does the American Psychiatric Association recommend for treating anxiety?
The American Psychiatric Association recommends a combination of talk therapy—such as cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy—and medication, when appropriate, to treat anxiety disorders. Treatment should be individualized and may include tools to manage both emotional and physical symptoms.
Can anxiety be caused by other mental health conditions?
Yes. Anxiety can co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. In some cases, anxiety may be a symptom of another diagnosis, making accurate assessment and a tailored treatment plan essential.
What are other symptoms that might point to an anxiety disorder?
In addition to physical symptoms like chest pain and muscle tension, other symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sleep disturbances, and constant worry. These signs can vary in intensity and may come and go, depending on stress levels and triggers.
How can I prevent my anxiety from getting worse?
Identifying anxiety cues, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking early treatment can help prevent anxiety from becoming chronic or debilitating. If you’re noticing a pattern of worsening symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for support.
What is exposure therapy, and how does it help with anxiety?
Exposure therapy is a form of talk therapy that gradually and safely exposes a person to the things they fear, helping them build tolerance and reduce avoidance. It’s especially effective for social phobia, specific phobias, and panic disorder, and is one of the most evidence-based treatments for reducing long-term anxiety.
Cole Dyar is the Executive Director & co-founder of Neurish Wellness. He has been working in the behavioral health field in operational, clinical, organizational, and managerial capacities for thirteen years. He holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology including: Organizational Leadership and Design, a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a doctoral candidate in MFT with an emphasis in Systemic Administration & Entrepreneurship.