The Anxious Heart: Understanding the Physical Toll of Anxiety

by Darrin Pfannenstiel, J.D., M.Ed., LPC-A | Therapist - Men, Women, and Couples

As an attorney-turned-therapist specializing in anxiety, I've seen firsthand the toll that this condition can take on physical health, in that, anxiety doesn't just affect our thoughts and emotions; it can also wreak havoc on our bodies. In this installment of my blog post series on Navigating Anxiety, I want to explore the ways in which anxiety impacts physical health, including the connection between anxiety and heart health, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep quality, and chronic pain.

Cardiovascular Impact

Sarah was a 35-year-old accountant who had been struggling with anxiety for years. She noticed that whenever she was feeling particularly anxious, her heart started racing and she felt short of breath. Sarah had been to the emergency room thinking she was having a heart attack, only to be told that it was just a panic attack. What Sarah didn't realize is that anxiety can actually increase the risk of heart disease over time. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Anxiety can also wreak havoc on the digestive system. John was a 45-year-old sales manager who had been experiencing stomach pain and bloating for months. John's doctor has ruled out any physical causes and suspected that his symptoms were related to stress and anxiety. It turns out that anxiety can cause the digestive system to go into overdrive, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In some cases, anxiety can even lead to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Sleep and Mental Health

But the physical toll of anxiety doesn't stop there. Emily, a 28-year-old teacher had been struggling with insomnia for years. Emily had trouble falling asleep and woke up frequently during the night. She often felt exhausted during the day and had trouble concentrating. What Emily didn't realize is that anxiety and sleep are closely intertwined. Anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. This can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.

Chronic Pain

Finally, let's meet Alex, a 50-year-old lawyer who had been struggling with chronic pain for years. Alex had seen multiple doctors and tried a variety of treatments, but nothing seemed to help. What Alex didn't realize is that anxiety can actually increase the perception of pain. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and changes in the nervous system, which can make pain feel more intense.

As you can see, the physical toll of anxiety is significant. If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to take steps to manage your symptoms and protect your physical health. This might include things like exercise, meditation, therapy, and medication. As a therapist specializing in anxiety in Dallas, Texas, I can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of anxiety. Don't let anxiety take a toll on your physical health. Take action today.

If you're struggling with anxiety and its physical toll, don't suffer in silence. Reach out for help. As a therapist specializing in anxiety in Dallas, Texas, I can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of anxiety. Contact me today to learn more.

(Note: Names and details of persons described in this post have been changed to protect their confidentiality).

Darrin Pfannenstiel is an attorney-turned-therapist serving men, women, and couples in the Dallas area and online. He has practiced Buddhist meditation and mindfulness for over 25 years — having formerly taught at a Buddhist center when he lived in Austin. He specializes in anxiety therapy.

As a Gestalt therapist, Darrin works with clients to help them gain insights into their experiences and emotions — specializing in guiding them to discover their inner strengths and make positive changes in their lives. He also specializes in human sexuality and is trained in The Gottman Method for couples counseling in Dallas.

As a writer, Darrin aims to share practical strategies and insights to help readers improve their mental health and live a fulfilling life.

Contact him today to request an appointment.