What Is Anxiety Chest Pain, And What Can You Do About It?
Anxiety-Related Chest Pain: Understanding, Relief, and Key Distinctions Anxiety chest pain is a common yet often misunderstood symptom that affects many individuals, especially teens. It is characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that can be mistaken for more serious cardiac issues. Recognizing and understanding the difference between anxiety chest pain and heart-related pain is crucial for effective management and treatment. Those experiencing anxiety chest pain may describe it as persistent and alarming, raising concerns about their heart health. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve chest tightness from anxiety and reduce the discomfort associated with these episodes. Understanding how long anxiety chest pain lasts and its various symptoms can help differentiate it from cardiac-related pain. Anxiety-induced chest pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours and is often accompanied by rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and a sense of losing control. Unlike pain from cardiac conditions, anxiety chest pain might occur even while resting and can be alleviated through stress-reduction techniques. Learning to relieve chest tightness from anxiety, such as through breathing exercises and lifestyle changes, can provide significant relief. It’s essential to recognize these symptoms and seek appropriate care to ensure both mental and physical well-being. Anxiety chest pain is a stabbing pain in the chest brought on or intensified as a result of a panic attack or other anxiety-related episode. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you can practice breathing exercises, eat healthier, avoid caffeine, and seek professional therapy to alleviate these symptoms. Facts About Anxiety Anxiety is an intense fear of something specific, something that could happen, or extreme worry about the unknown that affects millions of teens. It is often accompanied by uncomfortable physical symptoms such as rapid breathing, profuse sweating, exhaustion, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, and an increased heart rate or spiked blood pressure. While experiencing anxiety during new or frightening situations is to be expected, those diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder or who are struggling with their mental health could experience these symptoms when facing everyday situations. These circumstances can trigger internal stress hormones affecting the brain’s cortisol levels and the natural fight-or-flight response. This stress response triggers the physical symptoms of anxiety that can be difficult to manage alone or without medication. What Causes Anxiety Chest Pain? Teen patients who present with chest pain related to anxiety disorders are more common than most believe. Patients without heart-related conditions who experience chest pain frequently have a higher rate of panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other anxiety-related disorders. In many cases, this is due to poor quality of life and a habit of avoiding phobias.[1] What Does Anxiety Chest Pain Feel Like? Chest pain is a common symptom of anxiety attacks and panic attacks. Official studies report that anywhere from 22% to more than 70% of panic attacks patients experience also include chest pain.[2] If your teen is struggling with anxiety-related chest pain, they may also report some or all of the following symptoms: Racing heart or heart palpitations Sweating Dizziness Faintness Numbness Irregular temperature Shortness of breath Body tremors Sense of no control How Is Chest Tightness Different From Chest Pain? Chest tightness is different from chest pain and is often described as a pulled chest muscle. It can be identified by the presence of some or all of the following supplemental symptoms: Constant dull ache Sharp shooting pains Burning A muscle twitch you can’t control Numbness Change in Sleep Patterns Symptoms of Cardiac Chest Pain Vs. Anxiety Chest Pain Being able to tell the difference between heart attack chest pain and chest pain related to a panic attack or anxiety episode could be a critical marker. In most cases, if there is an existing diagnosis of cardiovascular issues, heart disease, or other heart-related issues, there will be a greater cause for concern. For teens, this is less likely but not impossible. Heart attack-related chest pain is typically caused by physical strain or exertion. Contrast this with anxiety chest pain, which can occur even while resting. If a heart attack is imminent, the pain will escalate within a few minutes and remain constant until treated, or, in fatal cases, the heart stops. Anxiety-related chest pain often resolves quickly, sometimes in minutes or within an hour. Heart attack chest pains radiate from the upper body (neck, shoulder blades, jaw, arm, etc.) and are accompanied by a tingling sensation, whereas chest pains due to anxiety are associated with sharp, stabbing aches and pains isolated to the chest area.[3] However, you often cannot differentiate between chest pain that’s related to cardiac complications and chest pain related to anxiety, as angina is the same for the two. When in doubt, seek medical treatment. What You Can Do About Anxiety Chest Pain For Teens At Home Did you know that over five million children between the ages of three and seventeen were diagnosed with anxiety over a recent three-year period?[4] While this number is alarming, there are many at-home interventions your teen can begin practicing to alleviate their symptoms. Deep Breathing Exercises Breathing exercises can help you become more centered and controlled in your physical state. Connect a state of intentional mindfulness with deep breathing to regain a sense of focus and relief. Breathe in through the nose and hold, then push slowly out through the mouth. Find A Safe Space Or Person Certain spaces are more conducive to happier thoughts and feelings and can give you the physical and mental space you need to focus on moderating your physical responses. Choose a clean, bright space with lots of natural light if possible. If relocating isn’t possible, find a trusted person who will support you through this episode and help you implement other strategies for recovery. Look At The Current Situation Objectively Make a mental checklist of what you know to be true and possible and what you know isn’t real or impossible. Reevaluate your current situation through this lens. Think and Stay Positive Bring to mind happy, positive thoughts and circumstances that
What Is Anxiety? Signs In Teens, Symptoms, Teen Treatment, and Resources
Understanding Anxiety in Teens Anxiety in teens is more than occasional worry or stress; it’s a complex and often overwhelming emotional state that can manifest in various forms. Severe anxiety symptoms might include persistent feelings of dread, restlessness, or even physical ailments like headaches and stomachaches. Understanding what anxiety is for teens and recognizing the signs are crucial steps in addressing this widespread concern. The symptoms of anxiety can range from mild unease to debilitating fear, and they often impact a teen’s daily life, affecting everything from academic performance to social interactions. Teen anxiety can be triggered by numerous factors, from academic pressures to social dynamics. The signs of anxiety, such as avoidance, excessive worry, or mood swings, can be subtle yet impactful. It’s important to distinguish between normal levels of concern and the more intense symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Addressing these issues early with appropriate interventions, such as natural remedies or professional therapy, can make a significant difference. Providing teens with resources and support can help them develop coping strategies and build resilience, ultimately guiding them toward healthier emotional well-being. What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is a state of worry, alarm, or fear over circumstances (past, current, or future) that you may not be able to control. This is a natural mental state that can be experienced throughout various times in their life and can manifest physical symptoms such as restlessness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, insomnia, and feeling tense. Those with a diagnosed anxiety disorder may experience chronic anxiety or persistent dread and more severe symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, inability to control worry, stomach aches, and a persistent sense of anxiety or dread.[1] Experiencing feelings of natural anxiety could be due to recent trauma, financial trouble, stress, grief, health issues, or relationship challenges. Anxiety disorders are different from natural anxiety in what causes them, the symptoms, and the severity of those symptoms. Someone suffering from an anxiety disorder may feel anxious or fearful in everyday circumstances even when there is no immediate threat to life or person. Four Stages Of The Anxiety Cycle & A Real Life Example Anxiety is a cyclical experience. If left untreated, the symptoms can return when faced with the same trigger again. But when you and your teen begin to experience feelings of anxiety, what happens next? And what does the anxiety cycle look like with and without treatment? Anticipation When faced with a potential or immediate scenario, this is when the feelings of anxiety begin. Fear, worry, and alarm begin to form thought processes in your mind as you evaluate your circumstances. Example: You have to give a speech in class and you begin creating worst-case scenarios in your mind, break out in a sweat, and your heart rate picks up speed. Avoidance Psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety can be avoided or mitigated if the situation that triggered them can also be avoided. However, that’s not always possible. Example: Your initial plan is to avoid the class, or develop a sudden, incurable, and completely made up illness to skip school. Without Treatment: Relief Relief only comes due to the absence of anxiety symptoms that were not addressed, merely postponed. Example: You feel relieved as you’ve resolved the cause of your anxiety and mitigated the risk of potential or perceived harm. Without Treatment: Resurgence Without intentional coping skill intervention or safely navigating obstacles faced with your anxiety, your symptoms will resurface. Example: You get an email from your teacher that your speech has been postponed to the following week and the anxiety cycle begins again. Relief & Resurgence With Coping Skills and Treatment By learning practical coping skills, such as counting, alternative movements, journaling, and breathing exercises, you can alleviate or mitigate the symptoms of anxiety in spite of triggers. Example: You’re fearful of the circumstances but you know your fear of public speaking is something you need to conquer. You also have to pass the class. You immediately begin anxiety-specific breathing exercises or take a walk outside. Your symptoms slowly dissipate and you contact your therapist or counselor to help you prepare for your upcoming speech. On the big day, you do all the preparation you can to succeed. You still experience some anxious feelings but are equipped to manage them and safely deal with the task at hand, in spite of your fears. Please note: This is a generalized example that may not apply to every type of anxiety disorder or every specific teen. However it’s important to recognize where anxiety treatment and coping skills can make a positive impact on practical events and quality of life. Symptoms Of Anxiety Perceived threats over present or future circumstances can trigger intense reactionary behaviors. This is what’s known as the natural fight or flight response. Intense fear or uncertainty related to unpredictability can lead to an anxious risk self-assessment that may. Without treatment or coping interventions, the symptoms may not go away until the threat or uncertainty is resolved.[2] Psychological Symptoms Of Anxiety Anxiety often begins in the mind before it manifests in the body. Some common anxiety disorder symptoms include:[3] Irrational or excessive worry Feelings of self-consciousness Fear of judgment Feelings of impending doom Difficulty controlling pervasive worry Feelings of being out of control Feeling tense Persistent worry, alarm, or dread Inability to control worry Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Most physical anxiety symptoms are systemic or related to nervous system function. Common physical signs of anxiety include:[4] Heart Palpitations Shortness of breath Sweating Trembling Tingling Restlessness Difficulty concentrating Headaches Fatigue Nausea Insomnia Chest pain Blushing Sweating Clammy hands Difficulty making eye contact Stomach aches or “butterflies” Rigidity Voice changes Identifying Anxiety In Teens Young children are usually anxious about being left alone in the dark, monsters in the closet, and creatures under the bed. In most cases, these are fears that teens have grown out of. Teens struggling with anxiety will be more concerned about their performance, social situations, their body, and potential family issues. Even if they