Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

anxiety physical symptoms

Hello
I have recently been suffering from anxiety about catching hiv. Since i first realised the fact that i have put myself at risk  i began having symptoms  of stress and anxiety . I took 2 tests for hiv both negative. Many have told me i can move on and i myself feel a lot relaxed . But in recent days i have felt anxious again because the symptoms supposedly manifestations of stress are not going even though i am not stressed  any more
The syptoms are mostly skin related like ithchy crawly skin and increased pimples (forehead specially, i also used to sweat on my forehead). I also had other stress symptoms like sweating and heart rate increase.
My question is would stress or anxiety's physical symptoms go away  when stress and anxiety go away?
I feel itchy when  excited like when i  start feeling better or happier i get itches all over my body is this scientifically explainable?
19 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
480448 tn?1426948538
I have no idea what kind of test it would be.  You would have to ask the clinic where you went for the test.

If this anxiety and fear and paranoia is a long standing, preexisting problem, you need to seek help for it.  What have you done to address the anxiety?  As you have found out all of these years later, it doesn't just go away on its own.

Instead of spending time seeking out HIV tests, which only fuels your anxiety and obsessive thinking, you should be spending that time and money on a mental health professional.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for that information. My problem is that i am a very paranoid personality , as a kid  i had a fear that my parents will divorce because they fought all the time, so i didnt let them stay alone so they wont fight, also for example when i leave my car i check multiple times that its lock and still feel somebody would break into it.
Anyways i gave my blood today for the test but i forgot to ask them  what type of test was it. I just told them to take a hiv test. It will be an antibody test right?
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
An anxiety disorder is chronic anxiety, usually without the presence of a real stressor.  Stress can turn into chronic anxiety as we see all the time with HIV Anxiety.  Even after a conclusive negative HIV test (scientific PROOF)..or MANY negative tests, a person still cannot move on, the anxiety persists.  That's usually indicative of a more chronic anxiety issue.

This is why we almost always suggest on the HIV Prevention community for people to seek professional help.  It's very easy to see the people that are having a hard time letting go and moving on.  They become a slave to the anxiety and the "what iffing" and despite us telling them that continuing to google will only fuel the fire, they do it anyway.  

Anxiety is anxiety, whether the fear is HIV, flying, snakes, social situations, health, etc.  Anxiety that begins to affect one's daily life and becomes all consuming needs dealt with.

Here's one official definition of anxiety disorder:

A chronic condition characterized by an excessive and persistent sense of apprehension, with physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, and feelings of stress.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well there is a difference between stress/ anxiety and an anxiety disorder. just being stressed your physical symptoms would go away after the stress does but with an anxiety disorder you body and hormones go all out of whack and your body keeps pumping adrenaline, and cortisol as if you were having something stressful going on even though you may consciously not.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you!
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I heard there is a hiv anxiety community but i cannot find it . If anybody knows about such a thing then please give me  the link for it. Thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
We always think our mind is under our control but it sometimes it can do the most scariest things which we have no control over.  I always thought i could do anything, i had this not giving a crap rocker attitude,  always denied religion and god even against my conservative family but once i was scared i was praying my butt off . I m not saying i am religious again but my point is we know nothing trully about ourselves, how we react to anxiety really teaches us a million things. Anyways how are you doing now? Hope u get over this soon. Best wishes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You can read my post in the hiv prevention forum and you will understand how two words that were said to me in a fragile state and bam I was in a tail spin. I know all to well what you are going through.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That reply made my day.
Thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It's called hypersensitivity-- once something is on your mind you begin to see it everywhere, it would have been there had you not had your scare
It just wouldn't have registered. Think about it this way when you buy a type of car you start seeing the make and model everywhere but you more aware of it because its in your life. Same concept and I have the same anxiety as you and I began to see it everywhere except when I was suffering from my anxiety about it that baby in the states that has been cured of it was just in the news and for weeks there was something HIV related-- get in the car and Sirius 90's on 9 had tlc waterfalls-- the mins is a amazing thing but it can be your worst enemy you are not alone
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am going through a very difficult time. These coincidences are happening to me  which are making me really scared for example: as you guys already know i had hiv scare now i come across various things on  tv and internet that are related to hiv like once i turned on my car radio and there was  a song on the radio which was about hiv. Stuff like that and also other weird coincidences also not related to hiv .can your mind do that to you?I was an atheist before but this has got me challenging my belief . Can anyone explain this?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Most of us do stupid things.  We are, after all, only human.  If you think you are getting the itching because you are feeling guilty  - and I say this with understanding - don't do things that make you feel guilty.

You already know that sweating and increased heart rate are common in anxiety reaction.  If you are having conflicts that are impeding your life, and/or causing physical symptoms, do talk to a good therapist if you can find one.  (They're not that easy to find, depending on where you live).    Or, a wise friend or relative.  (Maybe better). And, at this point, some desensitization techniques very useful in anxiety and - well - living - would help.  I have complete faith that you can deal with this.  I'm not saying it will be easy.  Take care.



Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Anxiety and stress can cause so many physical symptoms. You did say that you were feeling better and were still have the itching though, right? That's why I recommended allergy testing.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
One more thing  i had itching  before but it increased a lot after anxiety. Do you know any relation between stress and allergies
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This could be anxiety, like I mentioned before. If it were me, I would see my Dr to have some allergy testing done though.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi.  The truamatic incident which set my anxiety off 18 months ago is long gone, however, I still suffer.  My post is under Anxiety in General in the forum.  I can go for months feeling normal then bang it comes on for no apparent reason.   The forum is fabulous as you know you are not alone.  I'm sure eventually you will accept your good results and move on but just be aware that you could be susceptible to anxiety in the future.   Good Luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sometimes yes i do get hives but usualy when scratch or rub a bit the are turns into hive also my palms and soul of feet get ichy too
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm wondering if you're having some underlying anxiety? Have you seen your Dr. about the itching? Anxiety does come with a very long list of possible symptoms so the itching could be one of them. Does your skin get red or do you get hives when you have the itching?  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?