Since it's mental health awareness week I wanted to dedicate a week of blog posts to something that affects me on a daily basis, anxiety. One of the hardest things about having mental illness is being diagnosed as being anxious, stressed or worried is a very normal feeling. But, when do you go from being anxious to having anxiety? When you notice those feelings overpower every other emotion day in day out you may actually be suffering with anxiety.

Other than feeling anxious there are other physical symptoms of anxiety including;

- Difficulty sleeping is such a common thing for people with anxiety as there is so much going through your mind it makes it hard to switch off. Not only that but you may also find it hard to stay asleep or after having a full nights sleep you feel very tired throughout the day. 

 - Muscle Tension is very common, it's like a heavy weight pressing down on you. You're most likely to feel the tension in your back, neck and shoulders. 

 - An upset stomach is something you never really notice until it's there constantly. It can also be recognised by irregular bowl movements, constant urination, feeling of acid on the stomach or nausea. 

 - Having an irregular body temperature is also a common symptom. Whether that is represented with shivers/chills, experiencing hot flashes or excessive sweating throughout the day more so in your hands and feet. 

 - One of the most common systems is heart palpitations and shortness of breath. These symptoms are likely to lead to panic attacks. 

 - Restlessness or finding it hard to sit still for long periods of time is something that can be easily overlooked when it comes to anxiety. It's not really noticeable until you realise it's a symptom. 

 - A dry mouth or always feeling thirsty is another common symptom, one that you would never really associate with anxiety. 

 If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, whether that be one or all of them then it is very important you seek the help of a doctor/GP. As much as it's terrifying to be diagnosed, it almost comes as quite a relief to know that there is help for it and there is always someone to speak to.



*Disclaimer: All symptoms have been taken from personal experience and the NHS/Anxiety website. But please don't take this as a diagnosis, always speak to a GP.