Question: Why does being anxious/ having anxiety physically affect your body for example, feeling sick and struggling to breathe etc

Liz Halstead answered on 23 Nov 2022:

Hi!

So anxiety is related to your fight or flight response. Anxiety happens when you detect fear usually related to a feeling of being safe. This can be for so many reasons and very personal why you may not be feeling safe, and anxiety may occur. The physiological response in anxiety is heightened cortisol response, so for example, if you were to come face to face with a lion you might suddenly want to run. It is a protective mechanism. The feeling sick and the struggling to breathe are because your body is focusing on driving blood to limbs that need it the most, in case you need to run. Struggling to breathe can be a sign of a panic attack and I would recommend if you want additional information support on these to look at mind- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/panic-attacks/

I hope this answers your question

Liz