Can People Die From Anxiety Attacks?

Is it possible for people to die of a terrible anxiety? Or is it just the long term untreated effects of it that could possibly kill a person suffering from this kind of mental health problem? Anxiety can be quite a distressing feeling – it can include intense feelings like fear, doom, a sense of foreboding, and even gloom. Anxiety itself doesn’t kill but just can be stressful and scary – it’s only the effects of long-term, untreated anxiety that can. (Source: “Can Anxiety Kill You?” by Brittany Loggins from VeryWell Mind; https://www.verywellmind.com/can-anxiety-really-kill-you-5204411#:~:text=The%20good%20news%20is%20that,increase%20the%20risk%20of%20suicide.)

Anxiety, when left untreated for a long time, can put your health and life at risk by increasing blood pressure, worsen cardiovascular health, weaken immune system and worse, even increase the risk of suicide. It has been linked to heart diseaseas well as other possible symptoms that can pose severe threats to one’s health. It has been defined by the American Psychiatric Association as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like an increased blood pressure.

Overreacting, constantly worrying, and living in a state of perpetual anxiety can reduce your life expectancy, as shown by research studies. (Source: “How Anxiety Affects Health and Longevity” by Mark Stibich; https://www.verywellmind.com/worry-and-anxiety-impact-longevity-2223983#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20overreacting%2C%20constantly,lighten%20up%20and%20lower%20stress.)

Can We Worry Ourselves To Death?

There are many studies that link anxiety-prone personality and shortened lifespan. An example of this is from a 2009 article published in American Psychology which states that there is a growing evidence neuroticism is a psychological trait of profound health significance.

Symptoms of Anxiety

• * Restlessness * Increased heart rate * Shortness of breath

• * Dry mouth

• * Chest pain

• * Nausea

• * Headache

• * Trembling or shakiness

• * Sudden sweating/chills
  

According to researchers at the Anxiety Disorders Program at John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, there are ties between long term anxiety and development of heart disease. This interferes with a lot of things such as regular exercise and eating well. In addition to this, it can also lead to rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and decreased heart rate variability.

Aside from its impact on the heart, anxiety can also damage the brain and increase risk of developing dementia in later life as well as put people at a risk for developing depression.

Managing Stress/Anxiety To Extend Longevity

There are few ways of managing anxiety and stress to prolong your life:

• * Include yoga/meditation

• * Learn about anxiety * Jot down on your journal or diary * Listen to music

• * Engage in a regular physical activity
  

(Source: “How Anxiety Affects Health and Longevity” by Mark Stibich from Verywell Mind; https://www.verywellmind.com/worry-and-anxiety-impact-longevity-2223983#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20overreacting%2C%20constantly,lighten%20up%20and%20lower%20stress.)

Other possible ways of managing stress and anxiety are as follows:* relaxation techniques* observing correct breathing techniques* dietary adjustments* exercise* Learning to be assertive* Building self esteem.. etc.

Sources: “Can Anxiety Kill You?” by Brittany Loggins from VeryWell Mind; https://www.verywellmind.com/can-anxiety-really-kill-you-5204411#:~:text=The%20good%20news%20is%20that,increase%20the%20risk%20of%20suicide. How Anxiety Affects Health and Longevity” by Mark Stibich from Verywell Mind; https://www.verywellmind.com/worry-and-anxiety-impact-longevity-2223983#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20overreacting%2C%20constantly,lighten%20up%20and%20lower%20stress * “Managing And Treating Anxiety from Better Health; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anxiety-treatment-options