Have you ever wondered if there is a connection between body temperature and anxiety attacks? If so, the answer is yes. When we are in a situation of danger (either it’s real or imaginary) our mind oftentimes respond by suddenly lowering or raising the body temperature, in preparation to either confront the danger or run away.
As such, it’s quite common for people to experience a drastic change in temperature just before getting caught up in a panic attack. This temperature change will usually lead to other symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating, losing skin color, shaking or shivering.
If you realize you’re experiencing any of these symptoms suddenly and for no apparent reason, it could mean you’re about to have an anxiety attack. At this point you should do your best to stay calm… as you might know, fighting a panic attack will only make it stronger, and by doing so you’ll be even less likely to get a hold of yourself.
Let’s consider some of the symptoms that indicate a sudden change in body temperature:
Sweating – the function of sweating is usually reducing body temperature. That’s why we sweat while exercising, and it’s also why we sweat in times of anxiety: as the body anticipates a rise in temperature, so it starts releasing sweat as a way to cool the body.
Losing skin color – As the mind acknowledges a situation of danger the blood is driven to the muscles, a phenomenon called blanching usually takes place… which simply means that your skin will become pale from the lack of blood flow. While this is a normal response to a possible threat, people who suffer from general anxiety may constantly look pale.
Shivering or shaking – these reactions usually occur when the body experiences cold or fear. The reason why we experience shaking or shivering is because our muscles spasm while attempting to recoup for a loss in body temperature.
All of these symptoms are temporary, and they oftentimes happen during the onset of an anxiety attack. If you learn to recognize this symptoms for what they are (and indicator that you are about to go through a moment of anxiety), and if you remember that all its effect are temporary, you’ll have an easier time dealing with your anxiousness.
