Do you ever feel your heart race, your palms sweat, or your stomach clench, but can’t quite identify the cause? These may be more than fleeting nerves—they could be physical signs of anxiety. For many, anxiety doesn’t announce itself with a label. Instead, it arrives disguised as headaches, digestive issues, or chronic muscle tension.
Sana at Stowe will explore how anxiety manifests in the body, the relationship between trauma and physical symptoms, and how a holistic, trauma-informed care approach at Sana at Stowe, a luxury treatment center in picturesque Stowe, Vermont, can help you find peace.
Why Physical Signs Matter
Anxiety is not just a mental state—it’s a full-body experience. When your brain senses a threat, real or perceived, it signals your nervous system to respond. This cascade of stress hormones—cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine—prepares your body for “fight or flight.”
When anxiety becomes chronic, these responses no longer serve as protection—they become a source of harm. Over time, ignoring the physical signs of anxiety can lead to serious health issues including high blood pressure, immune dysfunction, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Common Physical Signs of Anxiety
Recognizing anxiety’s physical manifestations is a critical first step toward healing. Here are some of the most common physical signs of anxiety:
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Tightness in the chest or shortness of breath
- Sweating or cold, clammy hands
- Upset stomach, nausea, or IBS-like symptoms
- Tension headaches or migraines
- Muscle aches and stiffness, especially in the neck and shoulders
- Fatigue, even after adequate sleep
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Tingling sensations or numbness in the extremities
These symptoms may occur sporadically or be a constant background noise in your daily life. Many people report these sensations long before they identify them as part of an anxiety pattern.
Physical Signs of an Anxiety Attack
Anxiety attacks—often called panic attacks—are acute and intense episodes that come on suddenly. The physical signs of an anxiety attack can mimic those of a heart attack or other medical emergencies. Understanding the difference is key.
Signs include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Racing heart and difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shaking or trembling
- Nausea or stomach cramps
- Fear of dying or losing control
If you’ve experienced these symptoms, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Anxiety attacks are real, and they deserve real care.
The Link Between Trauma and Physical Anxiety
Many individuals experiencing chronic anxiety also have a history of trauma. Whether from childhood adversity, abuse, or significant loss, trauma alters the nervous system. It keeps the body in a prolonged state of hyper-vigilance, making the physical signs of anxiety more severe and more persistent.
At Sana at Stowe, we offer trauma informed care to ensure every treatment plan respects the impact of past experiences. Our clinical team is trained to address not only the symptoms but also the roots of your anxiety.
We believe healing is not just about symptom relief—it’s about restoring your sense of safety in your own body.
Alcohol and Anxiety: A Vicious Cycle
When it comes to alcohol and anxiety, many people turn to alcohol to “take the edge off” anxiety. However, alcohol is a depressant that disrupts brain chemistry and sleep, often worsening anxiety in the long term. Over time, this coping mechanism can lead to dependence and mask underlying mental health conditions.
Our medically supervised detox program helps individuals safely separate from alcohol while exploring how it interacts with their anxiety. Understanding the body’s cues—including alcohol-related physical signs of anxiety—can prevent relapse and support lasting change.
Healing at Sana: A Holistic Mental Health Approach
Located near the Burlington, Vermont airport, Sana at Stowe provides discreet, world-class care for individuals seeking deep, sustainable healing in a luxurious and serene setting.
Our holistic mental health treatment integrates traditional and alternative therapies to treat the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
Our evidence-based and holistic offerings include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy for anxiety (DBT): A structured, skills-based approach to managing anxiety through mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective for those with trauma histories or co-occurring disorders.
- Mindfulness & meditation: Learn to reconnect with your breath and body in a peaceful, non-judgmental way.
- Nutrition & movement therapy: Heal the nervous system with anti-inflammatory foods, yoga, and gentle exercise.
- Somatic therapies: Address stored trauma through body-centered interventions like massage and movement.
- Wellness & Holistic Rehab: Including art therapy, nature therapy, acupuncture, and other personalized healing experiences.
Every element of our program—from architecture to therapeutic structure—is designed for deep restoration and comfort.
A Word From Our Clients
Our clients often describe Sana at Stowe as the turning point in their mental health journey:
“I selected Sana at Stowe because I believed I needed a lot of healing physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I am healed, and Sana delivered in every way.”
— Former Sana Client
When to Seek Help
If you’ve been experiencing the physical signs of anxiety or have had episodes resembling the physical signs of an anxiety attack, it may be time to speak with a professional. These symptoms are not “just in your head.” They are valid, they are treatable, and they matter.
Don’t wait for your body to send louder signals. Early intervention—especially in a supportive, trauma-informed, and luxurious environment—can make all the difference.
Begin Your Healing Journey in Vermont
If you’re looking for personalized, evidence-based treatment for anxiety and trauma in a serene setting, Sana at Stowe offers a haven of healing in the heart of New England. Whether you’re stepping away from a high-stress lifestyle, managing dual diagnoses, or seeking space to reconnect with yourself, our team is here to support you.
We accept in-network insurance providers, and offer comprehensive residential programs tailored to your needs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact Sana at Stowe to learn more about our anxiety treatment programs and trauma-informed approach to recovery. You don’t have to manage the physical signs of anxiety alone. Let us help you return to your body, your breath, and your life. Call us at (802) 532-5277, today.
