July 16th, 2019
Feeling pressure in your head is a very common thing that people experience. Those who struggle with anxiety often experience various symptoms; physically, cognitively, and emotionally. While you may share similar symptoms with others you know that struggle with anxiety, you may suffer from different symptoms. Common physical symptoms of anxiety can include rapid heartbeat, insomnia, increased or heavy sweating, muscle twitching, and lethargy.
Another common symptom for people who struggle with anxiety is pressure in your head, or headaches, or what some describe as their head feeling heavy. 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.
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 their head. These 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 to make the feeling of head pressure worse. For example, dehydration can increase anxiety, consequently causing symptoms of anxiety to be worse – specifically headaches. To decrease the amount of pressure you feel in your head, consume the recommended amount of water based on your demographics as it will 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 you are dealing with tension headaches or head pressure, the use of medication should be a last resort. This is because the physical symptom of the headache is the result of your anxiety and there is a root to your anxiety. 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 important way to begin relieving a heavy head is by reducing your anxiety as well as any other excess stress you may be experiencing on 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 do some digging and make some changes.
Sometimes making these changes on your own can be difficult so seeking the help of friends, family or a professional may be helpful. Be present and in the moment. A lot of times, we may be sitting with our family at dinner but our minds are somewhere else. Contemplating the future, what we have to do tomorrow, or worrying about bills that need to be paid. All of these thoughts are running through the mind, raising anxiety, and you are unable to live in the moment. The constant worrying and fears accumulate consequently creating physical symptoms like tension headaches.
Don’t forget, the pressure you're feeling in your head is not the problem, it is just a symptom. If you never fix the problem, the symptom will still remain.
At Clarity Clinic, we have highly trained staff specializing in psychotherapy and psychiatry services. To learn more about how we can support your mental health, call Clarity Clinic at (312) 815-9660 or schedule an appointment today.
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