November 6th, 2024
Feeling anxiety head pressure or pressure in your head due to anxiety is a very common thing that people may experience. Those who struggle with anxiety often experience various symptoms; physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
While you may share similar anxiety symptoms with others, there is always a possibility that you can suffer from more unique anxiety symptoms. Common physical symptoms of anxiety can include rapid heartbeat, insomnia, increased or heavy sweating, muscle twitching, and lethargy.
As mentioned, anxiety head pressure, headaches, or what some describe as their head feeling heavy is a common anxiety symptom for some. There are other reasons your head may feel tight or heavy but it can also be related to a case of whiplash, a head injury, migraines, fatigue, or a muscle strain.
On the other hand, if you think your anxiety might be causing your head to feel heavy and pressured, dizzy and tight, it is more than likely what is known as a tension headache. Keep reading to learn about head pain and anxiety, as well as what your treatment options are!
Experiencing head pain alongside anxiety is incredibly common, with many individuals reporting headaches or pressure in their head when anxious. This is because anxiety triggers a cascade of physiological responses.
When you feel anxious, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released, increasing muscle tension, especially around the neck, shoulders, and head. This tension can lead to various types of head pain, including tension headaches, migraines, and general pressure.
The brain and body are closely connected, and stress responses can exacerbate sensations of pain. Studies show that people with chronic anxiety are more prone to frequent headaches because their nervous systems stay in a heightened state, increasing susceptibility to head pain.
If you’re experiencing severe anxiety symptoms or frequent head pain, it may be time to consult with a psychiatrist or an anxiety therapist. Professional support can provide effective anxiety management strategies to help reduce both emotional and physical symptoms, including head pain.
Tension headaches are common for people that struggle with severe anxiety or anxiety disorders. Tension headaches can be described as severe pressure, a heavy head, migraine, head pressure, or feeling like there is a tight band wrapped around your head.
These tension headaches are due to a tightening of the neck and scalp muscles. You may be constantly tightening your neck and scalp muscles as a reaction to your anxiety, thus over time causing a tension headache.
It is not surprising you may experience a heavy head due to the physical stress that the body endures during continuous and extreme levels of stress. If this is something you are constantly trying to cope with, to the point where it is interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder. If this is the case be sure to seek consultation from a professional.
Although your tension headache may be caused by anxiety there are small things you do in your everyday life that have the possibility of making the feeling of head pressure worse.
For example, dehydration can increase anxiety, consequently causing anxiety symptoms to be worse – specifically headaches. To decrease the amount of pressure you feel in your head, consume the recommended amount of water to prevent dehydration.
Stretching on a regular basis can relax the muscles that are tight in the neck and relieves the tension that is being placed on the body. Along with stretching, incorporating breathing exercises to calm your body and the benefits of physical exercise as well. Physical exercise releases hormones and neurotransmitters that calm the mind and the muscles.
Finally, decreasing the time spent around loud noises and bright lights can also help alleviate the pressure in your head.
When managing tension headaches or head pressure, medication should generally be considered a last resort. This is because these physical symptoms often stem from underlying anxiety, indicating there’s a root cause to address beyond the headache itself (anxiety disorder).
The use of medication may reduce the feeling of your tension headache but does not solve the real problem. It is also the case that certain medications only exacerbate the problem that already exists instead of relieving it.
The most effective way to relieve a heavy head sensation is to reduce your anxiety and alleviate any additional stress affecting your neck and head. Begin reducing your anxiety by changing aspects of your life. Look into areas of your life that may be causing your anxiety.
If you are feeling anxious about relationships, what about your relationship is causing you anxiety? Are you experiencing a great deal of anxiety at work? What about work is causing you to feel that way? Whatever it may be, find a way to make changes to the situation.
Most people experience anxiety at one point or another, but if it is taking over your life then it is time to make some changes and see a professional anxiety therapist. Sometimes making these changes on your own can be difficult which is why seeking the help of a professional is best.
Be fully present in the moment. Often our minds will drift, letting anxiety take over— you being thinking about tomorrow’s tasks, bills that need paying, or future worries. This constant mental chatter raises anxiety, making it hard to live in the present. Over time, these worries accumulate, manifesting in physical symptoms like tension headaches.
Remember, the pressure you feel in your head isn’t the root issue; it’s a symptom. Until you address the underlying anxiety problem, the anxiety head pressure is likely to persist.
At Clarity Clinic, we have highly trained staff specializing in psychotherapy and psychiatry services. You can find the best therapist near you for anxiety or the best psychiatrist near you for anxiety and depression at Clarity Clinic.
Whether you are looking for anxiety medication management, an anxiety test, or anxiety therapy, our mental health clinics are equipped to provide you with the care you need.
With clinic locations throughout Chicago ( Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway) and surrounding suburbs (Evanston and Arlington Heights), there is sure to be a clinic close to you!
If you are in surrounding areas such as Oakbrook, Northbrook, Aurora, Naperville, Winnetka, or anywhere in Illinois, and don’t want to make the trip, no worries, we offer online therapy and telehealth services. Find the right anxiety therapist in Chicago for you and get rid of your anxiety and head pressure today!
Book a Consultation!If you are looking for more support than a weekly therapy session, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP program) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP Program) are great options.
These structured PHP and IOP programs provide intensive mental health support for anxiety, giving you access to frequent therapy sessions, group support, and skills-building workshops designed to address your needs.
We offer both on-site PHP/IOP and a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (Virtual IOP) to fit your lifestyle and location. Our on-site PHP and IOP program are in the Chicago Loop for convenient access.
Our Virtual IOP mental health program allows you to receive high-quality care from the comfort of home. Whether you choose our on-site PHP/IOP or our virtual IOP, our team is here to guide you toward lasting relief and recovery.
Request more PHP-IOP Information
Related Readings:
- 7 Tips For Calming A Panic Attack
- Social Anxiety at Work Meetings and How to Overcome
- Self Soothing 101: Soothe Your Anxieties Away
- Lump In Your Throat? Anxiety Might Be The Culprit
- What is Anxiety? Your Essential Guide
-The best advice you could ever get about over the counter anxiety medication
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