Symptoms

by Joyanne Bernhardt

I get very cold when I am having an anxiety attack. Is that normal?

Reply from Sound-Mind.org

Hello Joyanne,

It is completely normal to feel cold during an anxiety attack.
Anytime the body experiences prolonged stress or anxiety, blood vessels constrict and the flow of blood is naturally decreased. Less blood flow means lower body temperature. This can lead to you feeling cold in general (all over your body), or sometimes it may just be your extremeties, specifically your fingers and toes.

On the other hand, it is also completely normal for people to experience hot flashes as well. Stress reactions cause epinephrine and norepinephrine to be released into the blood stream. This means increased blood flow and a warmer body temperature.

Stress, anxiety and panic cause many different body symptoms. Body temperature is definately affected in one way or the other.

If you find yourself feeling cold due to your anxiety there are some things that can help dramatically. For example:

Consider taking a hot bath! Not only does a hot bath provide instant comfort, but it helps the muscles in your body to physically relax. Not only this but your mind will also follow suit. Heat therapy is a great way to counteract the negative effects of stress.

Or, how about a little exercise? Exercise improves circulation which means better blood flow and warmer body temperatures. Exercise is a wonderful stress management activity and will help to decrease your stress and anxiety. Let us also remember that it offers many excellent future benefits as well, such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and much more.

Wishing You Well,
~Susan