Operation Resiliency | Therapy October 2026
Written by Michael Murphy, MSN, PMHNP-S
The physical symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Racing Heart
- Changes in Breathing
- Muscle Tension
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Headaches
- Stomach Problems
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Trouble Sleeping
- And more…
These symptoms are connected to changes in the brain, nervous system, and hormones involved in the body’s response to stress and perceived danger. Understanding how and why these things happen can help you make the most informed decision about the symptoms you may be facing and what steps to take in seeking treatment.
In this article we will cover:
- What is Anxiety?
- What’s Happening in Your Body When You Have Anxiety?
- Occasional Anxiety vs. an Anxiety Disorder
- What is an Anxiety Attack?
- When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Professional?
- What Can Help with Anxiety?
What is Anxiety?
The American Psychological Association describes anxiety as an “emotion involving apprehension and physical symptoms of tension, often connected to anticipating danger, catastrophe, or misfortune.”
Unlike fear, which usually responds to an immediate and identifiable threat, anxiety can involve a more future-focused sense that something could go wrong.
In simple terms, anxiety is your brain and body preparing for something they believe could be a problem, even when there isn’t an immediate physical threat.
What's Happening in Your Body When You Have Anxiety?
Your Body's Alarm System
Your body has a built-in system for responding to danger. When your brain detects a threat, whether that threat is real, expected, or perceived, your fight-or-flight response can turn on.
This response is designed to keep you alive. Your body prepares to act quickly instead of spending energy on things that aren’t immediately important for survival.
Your heart can beat faster to move blood and oxygen where they’re needed. Your breathing can speed up. Your muscles become tense and ready to move. Your digestion can slow down while your body focuses on responding to the perceived threat.
Hormones and Chemical Messengers
Several hormones and chemical messengers are involved in the body’s stress response. Adrenaline helps your body respond quickly to danger by increasing heart rate, breathing, and alertness. Cortisol helps keep your body on alert and makes energy available when you need it.
Many other chemical messengers, including GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, have also been linked to anxiety. However, there is no single “anxiety chemical.” These systems work together, and how they function can vary from person to person.
That is why anxiety cannot be explained by simply having too much or too little of one chemical. Your brain, nervous system, hormones, genetics, experiences, and environment all play a role.
Think of it like a car: your body needs a gas pedal to respond to danger and brakes to slow back down. Anxiety can involve changes in how these systems respond, making it harder for your body to settle after the perceived threat has passed.
When the Alram System Stays On
The fight-or-flight response is supposed to be temporary. The problem is when the body’s alarm system starts responding too often, too strongly, or to situations that aren’t actually dangerous.
A stressful thought, a past experience, uncertainty about the future, or a situation that feels threatening can sometimes trigger the same physical response as immediate danger.
When this happens repeatedly, you may feel like your body is constantly on alert. That can help explain why anxiety can come with ongoing muscle tension, digestive problems, changes in sleep, fatigue, a racing heart, or feeling constantly “on edge.”
Occasional Anxiety vs. an Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes. You might feel anxious before an important meeting, during a difficult life event, or while waiting for something uncertain. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life.
An anxiety disorder is different. The anxiety becomes more persistent, intense, difficult to control, or disruptive to everyday life. Depending on the disorder, symptoms can continue for months or occur repeatedly in situations where the level of fear or worry is out of proportion to the situation.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
An anxiety attack can describe a period when anxiety suddenly becomes much stronger, with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, shaking, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Panic attacks are a specific clinical term for a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that can happen even without an obvious danger or trigger. A person can experience a panic attack without having panic disorder.
If these episodes keep happening or you find yourself changing your life to avoid having another one, it’s worth talking with a healthcare professional
When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Professional?
Consider talking with a healthcare professional when anxiety is starting to affect your everyday life.
That might mean:
- You are avoiding things you normally do.
- Your sleep is being affected.
- You have trouble concentrating.
- You are constantly worried.
- Physical symptoms keep coming back.
- You feel like you are always on edge.
- You are using alcohol, medications, or other substances to cope.
You don’t have to wait until anxiety becomes overwhelming to ask for help.
What Can Help With Anxiety?
Treatment depends on the person and what they are experiencing.
For some people, therapy can help them understand their anxiety and learn ways to manage it. Others may benefit from medication. Some people may use both.
The first step is understanding why you’re feeling this way and what kind of support makes sense for you.
At Operation Resiliency, our mental health providers take the time to understand your concerns and help you explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common physical symptoms of anxiety?
Common symptoms include a racing heart, changes in breathing, muscle tension, sweating, shaking, headaches, stomach problems, dizziness, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms every day?
It can. Some people experience physical symptoms regularly when anxiety is ongoing. If symptoms are persistent or concerning, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional.
Can anxiety feel like something is wrong with your body?
Yes. Anxiety can cause strong physical sensations that may feel frightening. But new or unusual symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety.
Can anxiety go away on its own?
Sometimes anxiety may improve when a stressful situation passes. If anxiety continues or starts interfering with your daily life, professional support may help.