Yes, anxiety can make you dizzy. If you are stressed, at some point you may feel dizzy. Common symptoms of anxiety are lightheadedness, dizziness, and vertigo-like feelings. According to research, about 28% of individuals who experience dizziness also show signs of at least one anxiety disorder.
A lightheaded sensation, a loss of balance, or mild pressure in the face and head can all be symptoms of dizziness. For a few individuals, dizziness can get so terrible it causes fainting, which increases the chances of harm.
Dizziness may indicate an underlying problem such as vestibular, neurological, or psychiatric issues. The sympathetic nervous system is activated by anxiety, a normal reaction to stress. Anxiety can be acute or chronic.
Dizziness can also cause anxiety. Although dizzy episodes might be terrifying at times, they are mostly harmless and have no lasting effects on the individual experiencing them. If you feel any of the mentioned symptoms, visit Specialty Care Clinics today.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY?
Anxiety feels like-
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Sleep difficulties
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Nervousness
- Chronic pain
- Muscle tension
THE LINK BETWEEN ANXIETY AND DIZZINESS
Dizziness and anxiety are often associated.
- Hyperventilation- In some cases, anxiety is the main reason for dizziness. People who are worried may experience hyperventilation. This breathing method alters the blood’s gas composition, making the brain feel faint and weakened. Lightheadedness, one of the main types of dizziness, is mainly brought on by hyperventilation, which is connected to anxiety disorders. In other situations, a person may experience a head trauma or injury that affects the brain, spinal cord, and/or brain and body nerves and results in vertigo.
- Subjective feelings– Anxiety may make a person unstable, which causes dizziness. A worried and introverted temper has been linked to a higher chance of acquiring chronic subjective vertigo, according to a study.
- Vasovagal syncope happens when blood pressure suddenly drops, making someone feel uneasy and confused. Although any type of worry can result in this symptom, people frequently describe syncope when they are afraid of needles or anxious about medical treatments.
- Vestibular disorders increase anxiety, particularly in cases of severe disability. It’s possible that having a vestibular illness that frequently results in episodes of vertigo or dizziness will raise your risk of getting an anxiety disorder.
- Vertigo– In patients with vertigo, a study looked at the relationships between anxiety, impairment, and quality of life. According to the study’s findings, almost every participant felt some degree of stress, ranging from mild to severe.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DIZZINESS?
The vestibular system is thought to be affected by stress hormones, such as cortisol, histamine, and other substances generated during the stress reaction. Numerous of these hormones have the potential to alter the inner ear’s homeostatic balance at the cellular level, which may have an impact on the entire system.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), chronic illnesses are linked with a high risk of developing mental health disorders.
TREATMENTS TO REDUCE DIZZINESS CAUSED BY ANXIETY
Chronic dizziness that is caused by an underlying condition such as inner ear disorder may be treated in the following ways –
- Medications– Antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers are prescribed for vestibular disorders.
- Physical Therapy– The most common form of treatment for vestibular problems is physical therapy. Head and eye-related exercises, walking, and balance can reduce dizziness.
- Lifestyle changes– Certain lifestyle changes such as exercise, yoga, and meditation help in reducing anxiety and dizziness. Eating a balanced diet and getting professional help can aid in raising the quality of life for those who suffer from vestibular and anxiety disorders.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LESSEN ANXIETY-RELATED DIZZINESS?
- Sit down whenever you feel dizzy, to avoid the risk of injuring yourself.
- Lay down so that oxygen can reach your brain.
- If you need more assistance, hold on to the furniture or wall.
- Avoid caffeine
- Keep a diary, and write your symptoms and what triggers dizziness and anxiety.
- Exercise helps in reducing dizziness. It lessens the symptoms and assists the body in balancing itself.
- There are a variety of breathing exercises available to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and treat dizzy symptoms.
- Read a book or listen to music to divert your mind from stress.
- Talk therapy is another option you have for overcoming anxiety, stress, or depression.
- A situation or scenario that you are in the middle of when your vertigo strikes are probably the main source of your uneasiness. Move away or stop thinking about it.
WHEN TO VISIT A DOCTOR?
Speak with a medical professional if you have been experiencing persistent dizziness or if it has started to limit your ability to do daily tasks. Testing will typically identify the underlying cause of these episodes, and therapy will help to lessen or even eliminate the symptoms. There may not always be a clear reason for persistent dizziness. This could be a sign of an underlying disease like anxiety. If this is the case, a therapist or other mental health specialist may be recommended to you for therapy.
Dizziness and anxiety are inversely correlated; hence, dizziness can both cause and be caused by anxiety. Dizziness can be alleviated by treating underlying conditions. Reach out to us at 469-545-9983, if you are feeling dizzy or have any symptoms of stress. Visit Specialty Care Clinics for better advice and fast recovery.