While most people are aware of the typical physical symptoms of an anxiety attack (racing heart, sweaty palms, rapid breathing, upset stomach), there are other lesser-known anxiety attack symptoms people experience regularly. These less common symptoms may not even register in one’s mind as being related to anxiety attacks. However, it’s important not to overlook these issues, especially if they occur regularly.
A professional counselor can help you work through various anxiety symptoms and develop healthy coping skills to live a more peaceful life. Acknowledgment of the problem and identification of symptoms are among the first steps for healing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the less common symptoms of an anxiety attack you should consider.
#1: Jaw Clenching
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching, gnashing, grating, or grinding teeth. While some jaw clenching is a normal response to daily stress, an intense clench that damages teeth or leads to pain in the dental area or jaw and neck muscles can be a sign of a problem.
During an anxiety attack, it is common for the individual to control the out-of-control sensations happening in the body. Clenching the jaw can be a subconscious way to regain control. This is similar to other more common symptoms such as picking/biting fingernails or digging nails into the skin.
#2: Burning Skin or Chills
Physical sensations can be disturbing when you are experiencing an anxiety attack. Feeling an extreme swing in body temperatures is a lesser-known symptom. Whether the individual begins shivering with the chills or has a hot, prickly sensation on the skin, it’s not just in the person’s head. There can be a true shift in body temperature related to anxiety.
#3: Inability to Focus
The inability to focus on tasks during an anxiety attack is not just absentmindedness; rather, the individual may not concentrate enough to complete even simple tasks.
If you struggle with this symptom, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to be at work or school during an episode. In many cases, the mind becomes so overwhelmed with emotions, primarily fear, that it cannot break free and calm down enough to produce organized thoughts.
Find Relief from Anxiety Attack Symptoms
Do you worry you will never be able to escape the symptoms of an anxiety attack? It’s time to get the professional help you need to experience a shift in your life. At Positive Living Psychotherapy, Licensed Psychologist Dr. Maureen Keown is ready to help you explore the reasons for your anxiety and develop the healthy coping skills necessary to find healing soon. Contact our office today to schedule a counseling session.