Physical Manifestations of Anxiety: What are Anxiety Tics?
Exploration of the Physical Manifestations of Anxiety.
Types of Tics
Anxiety tics can come in a variety of ways. Some affect your body movements and others affect your voice. Some examples include-
Jerking your head
Blinking or wrinkling your nose
Touching people or objects
Coughing, gruffing, or sniffing
Clicking fingers
Repeating a sound or phrase
These tics can happen randomly or when triggered by anxiety. When hyper-fixated on, the tics could get worse. Coping techniques can pull your thoughts away from these worries.
Causes of Tics
Anxiety triggers neurotransmitters to send messages to the muscles. Anxiety causes the release of these chemicals to trigger muscle movement even though there is no need. Once this happens, your muscles will start to move or twitch.
The same can be said when you hyperventilate. Excessive carbon dioxide is released if you are breathing out too much and not taking enough oxygen. A lack of carbon dioxide causes constricted blood vessels to supply blood to the brain. This explains why you feel lightheaded and maybe a bit faint.
Self-Coping Tools
Try your hardest to stay away from stressful situations. While you cannot avoid all stress, you can cut people out of your life who bring you more stress than you need, like a toxic friend or romantic partner. The same can be said for a stressful job that takes too much energy out of you. Find a relaxing and enjoyable activity to do when you feel these tics starting to occur, like writing in a journal or drawing in a coloring book.
It is also important to let the people around you know about your tics and ask them not to draw too much attention. You are aware of when you experience a tic, and you do not want it to worsen if you fixate on it. Do not be ashamed when these tics occur because everything is okay. For all you know, the people in your social circle could be experiencing tics as you do.
Try to get a good amount of sleep to refresh your body and give yourself enough energy for the next day. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep in a quiet atmosphere without a speck of light getting through.
Behavioral Therapy
Therapy is a great way to learn all about your tics. You can identify what triggers your tics and how to cope. For example, if your eye tends to twitch, apply a warm compress to your eye until the twitching leaves.
Tics can be uncomfortable and, at times, embarrassing. However, the physical manifestations of anxiety can show you that you have anxiety and need to do something about it. If you can manage your stress, then you can manage your tics.
We are always here to help you learn how to manage your anxiety tics so they will no longer be life-interfering. Learn more about our individualized counseling services, and contact us soon.