Weird Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety: What Your Body Is Really Telling You

If you’ve ever experienced chest pain during a stressful meeting, developed mysterious skin rashes before a big presentation, or felt your jaw clench so tightly it hurt for days, you’re not alone. While most people recognize the classic signs of anxiety, racing heart, sweating palms, and butterflies in the stomach, anxiety can manifest in far more unusual ways throughout your body.

An estimated 31.9% of adolescents and adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, making anxiety disorders the most common mental disorders in the United States. Yet many people don’t realize their seemingly unrelated physical symptoms could be connected to their mental health.

Understanding these unusual manifestations isn’t just about putting a name to your discomfort; it’s about recognizing your mind and body are intimately connected, and healing requires addressing both psychological and physical aspects of your experience.

The Science Behind Anxiety’s Physical Impact

When you feel anxious, your brain doesn’t just experience psychological distress; it triggers a cascade of physical changes throughout your entire body. Studies show people with anxiety disorders exhibit increased amygdala activity in response to anxiety cues, setting off what we commonly call the fight-or-flight response^[1].

This survival mechanism floods your system with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, causing immediate changes: your heart rate increases, your muscles tense, your breathing becomes shallow, and your digestive system slows down. While these changes may serve us well when facing genuine physical threats, today’s chronic stressors keep this system activated far longer than nature intended.

When the body is in a constant state of stress like this, the production of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol increases. Over time, these hormones can take a toll on the body and lead to more severe and unusual mental, physical, and emotional anxiety symptoms^[2].

The result? Physical symptoms that can seem completely disconnected from your emotional state, leaving you confused about why your body is acting in such strange ways.

Neurological and Sensory Symptoms That Surprise

Phantom Phone Vibrations

Have you ever felt your phone vibrating in your pocket, only to check and find no notifications? Phantom vibrations, also referred to as “phantom ringing,” involve feeling the sensation of your phone or another electronic device ringing when it hasn’t. This can affect anyone, whether they have an anxiety disorder or not. However, this may occur more frequently due to high anxiety levels^[3].

This peculiar symptom occurs because anxiety heightens your nervous system’s sensitivity, making you more aware of even the slightest sensations. Your anxious brain, constantly scanning for potential threats or important information, can misinterpret normal bodily sensations as your phone vibrating.

Tinnitus and Ear-Related Symptoms

That mysterious ringing, buzzing, or whistling in your ears could be anxiety-related. According to a 2020 study, there’s a close connection between anxiety and tinnitus, although the exact relationship isn’t fully understood^[4]. The connection works both ways; tinnitus can cause anxiety, and anxiety can make tinnitus more noticeable, creating a frustrating cycle.

Those with anxiety may also feel their tinnitus is louder. This can lead to a vicious cycle where tinnitus causes anxiety, and that anxiety makes you more aware of the tinnitus.

Numbness and Tingling

The adrenaline and cortisol surge during the stress response can cause physical sensations, including numbness, tingling, and tremors. These sensations can affect your hands, feet, face, or virtually any body part. While alarming, these symptoms typically result from changes in blood flow and nerve sensitivity caused by anxiety-related muscle tension and hyperventilation.

That “Something’s Wrong” Feeling

Perhaps one of the most unsettling anxiety symptoms is the inexplicable sense that something is fundamentally wrong with you or your surroundings. You or parts of your body feel wrong, different, foreign, odd, or strange. It could be your entire being or body, one part of it, or a spot on it.

This symptom often combines emotional and physical sensations, leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself. Some people describe this symptom as an unusual mix of feeling anxious, confused, despairing, emotionally “odd,” and somewhat depersonalized that is often combined with other physical symptoms, such as nausea (upset digestive system), lightheadedness, burning skin, trembling, sweating, weakness.

Digestive System Disruptions

Your gut contains more nerve cells than your spinal cord, so it’s often called your “second brain.” The enteric nervous system (ENS) directly communicates between the brain and the gut. Just as the thought of eating can trigger the release of stomach juices, researchers found a troubled intestine can send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes^[5].

Patients with digestive diseases are more susceptible to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other psychosomatic disorders. Research from a major medical center found the overall detection rate was 20.74% for anxiety symptoms alone, 31.78% for depressive symptoms alone, 13.99% for both anxiety and depressive symptoms, and 38.53% for either depression or anxiety symptoms among patients with gastrointestinal diseases^[6].

Beyond Typical Stomach Issues

While nausea and “butterflies” are well-known anxiety symptoms, chronic anxiety can cause more severe digestive disruptions:

• Chronic bloating and abdominal distension that has no identifiable food trigger
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea that mirrors irritable bowel syndrome
• Changes in appetite that seem disconnected from actual hunger
• Difficulty swallowing or the sensation of food “sticking” in your throat

Stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions can trigger or intensify physical symptoms, including abdominal pain. This occurs through various pathways: Neurological Pathways: The brain and gut are interconnected through a complex network of nerves, often called the gut-brain axis. Emotional distress can lead to changes in gut function, resulting in pain or discomfort^[7].

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Surprises

Excessive Yawning

Another unusual anxiety symptom caused by an excess of stress hormones in the body is excessive yawning. This strange symptom may also be a sign of fatigue or a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, both of which often relate to anxiety disorders^[8].

This happens because anxiety often causes shallow breathing, reducing oxygen intake. Your body responds by triggering yawns to increase oxygen levels, but this can become a persistent pattern when anxiety is chronic.

Chest Pain and Heart Irregularities

Anxiety can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to heart palpitations, a racing heart, chest pain, and other heart-related symptoms. These symptoms can be particularly frightening because they can mimic severe cardiac conditions.

A racing heart is a familiar symptom of anxiety, but chronic anxiety can also cause chest pain or the sensation of a heart “flutter.” An increased heart rate and muscle tension are both part of your body’s fight, flight, or freeze response, but they can cause pain if anxiety is chronic.

It’s important to note that while anxiety can cause these symptoms, any new or severe chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out cardiac conditions.

Skin and Muscular Manifestations

Mysterious Skin Issues

Your skin is incredibly sensitive to stress hormones. Research in this field shows a link between anxiety disorders and skin symptoms like chronic itching and hives. This might create another cycle in which stress and anxiety worsen itching, and vice versa^[9].

Breaking out in unexplained hives, skin rashes, or itchy skin can be another unusual anxiety symptom. Researchers believe anxiety-related itchy skin, or “psychogenic itch,” is when psychological factors are a cause of the itching.

Common skin manifestations of anxiety include:

• Unexplained hives or rashes
• Chronic itching without a visible cause
• Stress-related acne flare-ups
• Dry, irritated skin
• Hair loss from stress

Jaw and Dental Problems

If you’re feeling pain in your jaw or wake up with toothaches, this could be a sign of anxiety. Anxiety can cause you to clench your jaw and grind your teeth, also known as bruxism.

A study found a connection between those already diagnosed with anxiety and developing TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), including joint clicking, facial soreness, and jaw pain^[10].

Many people unconsciously clench their jaws during stressful situations, and this tension can persist even during sleep, leading to morning headaches, tooth pain, and facial muscle soreness.

Unusual Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms

Decision-Making Difficulties

Someone with an anxiety disorder may find it challenging to make decisions, even small decisions, such as what to wear or eat. This difficulty may be due to excessive worry about the consequences of a decision or an inability to focus on the task due to racing thoughts.

This symptom can be particularly frustrating because it affects daily functioning. The anxious mind becomes so focused on potential negative outcomes it becomes paralyzed by choice, even for routine decisions.

Changes in Appetite and Eating Patterns

People with anxiety may experience a loss or an increase in appetite. A loss of appetite may be due to a decrease in the production of appetite-stimulating hormones, such as ghrelin, due to chronic stress and anxiety.

Conversely, some people with anxiety may experience an increase in appetite, particularly for high-fat or high-sugar foods, as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. This can create additional stress about weight and health, perpetuating the anxiety cycle.

Dissociative Symptoms: When You Feel Disconnected

One of the most distressing anxiety symptoms is dissociation, feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings. Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon in which a person’s thoughts, feelings, and sense of identity become separated from their body and surroundings. It is often described as feeling detached or disconnected from oneself or the world around them.

The main types include:

• Depersonalization: Feeling detached from yourself
• Derealization: Feeling like your surroundings aren’t real
• Amnesia: Memory gaps during stressful periods

These symptoms can be frightening, but they’re your mind’s way of protecting you from overwhelming stress.

The Sleep Connection: When Rest Becomes Elusive

Anxiety doesn’t clock out when you go to bed. Sleep disturbances are among the most common physical manifestations of anxiety, creating a cycle where poor sleep increases anxiety, which further disrupts sleep.

Both children and adults with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) may experience physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath that make it hard to function and interfere with daily life^[11].

Sleep-related anxiety symptoms include:

• Difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts
• Frequent night wakings
• Early morning awakening with inability to return to sleep
• Vivid, anxious dreams or nightmares
• Feeling unrefreshed despite adequate sleep duration

When to Seek Professional Help

While occasional physical symptoms during stressful periods are normal, persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional attention. If your anxiety, or the anxiety of a loved one, starts to cause problems in everyday life, such as at school, at work, or with friends and family, it’s time to seek help.

Consider seeking help if:

• Physical symptoms interfere with your daily activities
• You’re avoiding situations due to the fear of symptoms
• Symptoms persist despite stress reduction efforts
• You’re experiencing multiple unusual physical symptoms simultaneously
• The symptoms are causing significant distress or worry

Remember, an anxiety disorder is like any other health condition that requires treatment. You can’t “will” it away. It’s not a matter of self-discipline or attitude.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

The good news is anxiety disorders are highly treatable. There are highly effective treatments for anxiety disorders, and addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of anxiety often yields the best results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported type of psychotherapy, is commonly used to treat GAD. CBT teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help you feel less anxious and worried. CBT has been well studied and is the gold standard for psychotherapy.

CBT helps you:

• Identify and change negative thought patterns
• Develop coping strategies for physical symptoms
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Gradually face feared situations

Holistic Treatment Approaches

At The Center • A Place of HOPE, we understand anxiety affects the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Our Whole Person Care approach recognizes effective anxiety treatment must address all aspects of your experience.

Our comprehensive treatment includes:

• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Stress management techniques
• Nutritional support to stabilize mood and energy
• Physical fitness programs to reduce stress hormones
• Spiritual care for those who find meaning in this dimension
• Medical evaluation and support when appropriate

Self-Care Strategies for Physical Symptoms

While professional treatment is often necessary, there are evidence-based self-care strategies that can help manage physical anxiety symptoms:

Breathing Techniques: Breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can help to calm the central nervous system and ease anxiety symptoms. Practice deep belly breathing for 5-10 minutes daily.

Regular Exercise: Clinical studies have shown exercise can significantly reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Even moderate exercise like walking can help reduce stress hormones and improve mood.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practice can help you become more aware of your body’s signals and respond to them with compassion rather than fear.

Sleep Hygiene: Establishing consistent sleep routines can help break the anxiety-insomnia cycle.

Stress Management: Learning to identify and manage stressors before they escalate can prevent many physical symptoms.

The Importance of Group Support

One of the most powerful aspects of healing from anxiety is recognizing you’re not alone. Group therapy and support groups provide invaluable opportunities to connect with others who understand your experience. In our group therapy sessions, clients often express relief at discovering that others share their “weird” symptoms, and they are completely typical manifestations of anxiety.

Group settings offer unique benefits:

• Reduced isolation and shame
• Shared coping strategies
• Encouragement during difficult times
• Accountability for implementing healthy changes
• Opportunities to help others, which builds self-esteem

Understanding the Recovery Process

Recovery from anxiety and its physical symptoms isn’t linear. You may have good and challenging days, and that’s completely normal. The goal isn’t to eliminate all anxiety; some anxiety is healthy and protective, but to develop a healthier relationship with anxiety so it doesn’t control your life.

As you work on recovery, you may notice:

• Physical symptoms are decreasing in intensity and frequency
• Improved ability to recognize early warning signs
• Greater confidence in managing symptoms when they arise
• Reduced fear of the symptoms themselves
• Overall improved quality of life

Your Body Is Trying to Communicate

Those strange physical symptoms aren’t your body betraying you; they’re your body trying to communicate that something needs attention. Rather than ignoring or fighting these symptoms, approach them with curiosity and compassion.

Your symptoms are valid, your experience is real, and healing is possible. Many people who have struggled with unusual anxiety symptoms have found relief and gone on to live fulfilling lives once they understood the mind-body connection and received appropriate treatment.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward understanding and healing your anxiety symptoms, we’re here to help. The Center • A Place of HOPE has been providing comprehensive anxiety treatment for over 40 years, and we understand the courage it takes to seek help.

Our compassionate team is ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both your psychological and physical needs. You don’t have to suffer in silence or confusion any longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anxiety really cause physical symptoms that have no medical explanation?

Yes, absolutely. The mind-body connection is well-documented in medical research. In 2007, in his book “They Can’t Find Anything Wrong,” Dr. David Clarke shared that in 25%-35% of medical patients, the causes of the symptoms were psychosomatic [12]. Anxiety can cause very real physical symptoms through the release of stress hormones and activation of the nervous system.

How can I tell if my physical symptoms are caused by anxiety or a medical condition?

Working with healthcare providers to rule out medical causes, especially for new or severe symptoms, is important. However, anxiety-related symptoms often worsen during stress, improve during relaxation, and may be accompanied by emotional symptoms like worry or panic. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the cause.

Will my physical symptoms go away if I treat my anxiety?

Many people experience significant improvement in physical symptoms when their anxiety is effectively treated. However, the timeline varies for each person. Some symptoms may improve quickly, while others may take weeks or months of consistent treatment to resolve.

Can anxiety medication help with the physical symptoms?

Yes, anxiety medications can help reduce both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and agents with dual reuptake inhibition, such as venlafaxine XR, are optimizing therapy and yielding less risk for serious adverse events, greater safety in long-term therapy, and opportunity for improved patient compliance. However, a combination of therapy and medication is often most effective.

What should I do if doctors say my symptoms are “just anxiety”?

First, remember that “just anxiety” doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real or important. Anxiety is a medical condition that requires treatment. If you feel dismissed, seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety disorders. Your symptoms deserve attention and appropriate treatment.

Take Your Mental Health Assessment

If you’re experiencing unusual physical symptoms that might be related to anxiety, consider taking our mental health assessments to better understand your symptoms and treatment options.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

The Center • A Place of HOPE offers comprehensive anxiety treatment using our proven Whole Person Care approach. Our experienced team understands the complex relationship between anxiety and physical symptoms, and we’re here to help you find relief.
Contact us today to speak with a compassionate admissions specialist who can answer your questions and help you take the first step toward healing. Call us Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM PT, or complete our online form to request a callback.

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References

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Any Anxiety Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders
[3] CalmClinic. (2024). Weird Anxiety Symptoms Most People Don’t Know About. https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/weird-symptoms
[4] Psych Central. (2021). Unusual Anxiety Symptoms You Might Not Recognize. https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/unusual-anxiety-symptoms-you-might-not-know-about
[5] For Hers. (2024). Weird Anxiety Symptoms. https://www.forhers.com/blog/weird-anxiety-symptoms
[6] AnxietyCentre.com. (2024). Feel Wrong, Odd, Strange – anxiety symptoms. https://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-disorders/symptoms/feel-wrong/
[7] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad
[8] World Health Organization. (2023). Anxiety disorders. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
[9] Feng, L., et al. (2021). Psychosomatic Disorders in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases: Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study of 1186 Inpatients. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8110399/
[10] Curasia Endoscopy. (2025). Can Abdominal Pain Be Psychosomatic? https://www.curasia.com/can-abdominal-pain-be-psychosomatic/
[11] Gelenberg, A. J. (2000). Psychiatric and Somatic Markers of Anxiety: Identification and Pharmacologic Treatment. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC181205/
[12] Integrative Psychotherapy. (2023). Anxiety in your body + 6 signs of psychosomatic pain. https://integrativepsych.co/new-blog/anxiety-specialist-five-towns