There is no doubt about it: anxiety can be odd. It can show up in all parts of our lives – the usual suspects of racing thoughts, a pounding heart, and feelings of worry or fear. As previously discussed, air hunger can also be a symptom. When we feel these familiar and famous symptoms, we know it’s anxiety. However, anxiety may be lurking through little-known symptoms, in areas that you may not realize. Sometimes, these can go unrecognized and undiagnosed.
If you’ve been experiencing strange physical or emotional symptoms with no clear cause, anxiety might be behind them. Here are our top five odder and lesser-known signs to watch out for:
- Skin Crawling or Itching
Anxiety can trigger a stress response that causes skin sensations, including tingling, itching, or the feeling of bugs crawling on your skin (known as formication). This is due to heightened nerve sensitivity and changes in circulation. For those of us who suffer from PMDD, we may even notice this during our luteal phase, when our anxiety can be heightened.
- Phantom Smells or Tastes
Some people with anxiety report experiencing odd smells or metallic tastes without a clear source. While rare, these sensory distortions can be linked to heightened sensory awareness or stress-induced changes in brain chemistry. If you experience odd tastes or smells, always see your doctor first before assuming anxiety – but once other causes are ruled out, it’s important to not this is a rare anxiety symptom.
- Cold Hands and Feet
Anxiety activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, redirecting blood flow to major muscles and away from extremities. This can leave your hands and feet feeling cold or even numb, especially during a panic attack. Now, you may be someone who regularly experiences cold hands or feet, and if so, this doesn’t mean anxiety. It’s when it shows up a little more suddenly that could indicate anxiety.
- Muscle Twitches (including Eye Twitching)
Twitching eyelids, shaky hands, or random muscle spasms can be uncomfortable and worrying. They are often tied to chronic tension or an overstimulated nervous system caused by anxiety.
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Not as much a surprise here, for anyone who experiences IBS or regular tummy troubles – as this often shows up when we’re stressed or upset. While upset stomachs and nausea are well-known anxiety symptoms, more unusual digestive issues can include bloating, gurgling noises, or feeling full after eating very little. The gut-brain connection plays a huge role in how anxiety manifests. As with all the items on our list, persistent stomach troubles should be investigated medically to rule out any other issues.
Paying Attention to Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health ailments, affecting nearly all of us from time to time. Recognizing these lesser-known symptoms of anxiety is paramount to receiving the right care. Being aware of these manifestations can help you seek the right support, whether through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medical care. We always recommend seeking medical care first (typically with a visit to your doctor), before determining that you are experiencing anxiety.
If you are feeling anxious, you’re not alone, and these symptoms—strange as they may be—are valid. We can help.
Impart Therapy
At Impart, we work with clients struggling with anxiety, stress, and life transitions. If you are looking for help, please reach out. Our therapists are available immediately. Contact us today!
