Chronic anxiety is anxiety that is experienced on a regular basis over an extended period of time. It can lead to panic attacks, to tension, as well as physical and emotional strain. More than this, anxiety can dangerously and adversely affect our health, with problems such as tension headaches, backache, insomnia, problems focusing, tiredness, weight loss, or weight gain.

Long term anxiety can increase blood pressure, placing needless strain on the heart and vital organs. Also, anxiety can dramatically increase the chances of stroke. Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and skin eruptions can all have their origin in anxiety.

The body’s immune system can be weakened, lowering resistance to infection and leaving you open to all sorts of illness, including even heart disease or cancer.

Chronic stress can also cause a weakening of the adrenal responses. When the adrenal system is not responding as it should, a person tends to experience hopelessness, depression, or in some cases death. This will occur because of the vast array of serious diseases that can be caused when the immune system is compromised.

Often, the medical response is to simply prescribe pharmaceuticals to cope with the symptoms. Drugs such as SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or tranquilizers are offered. However, these powerful drugs can have critical adverse side effects for some people.

Life is full of stress, but you do not need to let anxiety, stress and depression ruin your life. Nobody was born to feel anxious or stress-out on a continual basis. Take active measures to relieve anxiety and stress. The earlier the better, but it is never too late. The benefits will lead to a happier and vigorous life for you and those around you.

Tags: anxiety, anxiety stress, attacks, causes, depression, fear, panic, phobia, social anxiety, stress and disease, symptoms

This entry was filed under Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Fear.