For Young People > Brain-Body Connection

How Mental Health Conditions Show Up in the Body

Just as the changing emotions and physical reactions you experience are linked, mental health conditions can also show up in the body. Certain long-lasting or easily triggered physical feelings are commonly described by people who have these conditions.

If you often experience these physical feelings or if you find they interfere with your ability to function, talk to a parent or trusted adult about getting help.

Where and how might show up in your body.

Anxiety

thoughts

  • Constant worrying in general or in excess about something specific
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Imagining the worst outcome
  • Hyper-focus on perfection

body

  • Tired, low energy
  • Headache
  • Feeling tense, trouble relaxing
  • Tightness in chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Gastro troubles: Nausea, vomiting
  • Difficulty sleeping

emotions

  • Feeling anxious, nervous, and on edge
  • Feeling dread as if something awful might happen
  • Easily getting annoyed or irritable
  • Fearful about going to school or socializing

behavior

  • Alcohol or drug use to relax or escape
  • Being so restless that it’s hard to sit still
  • Withdrawing from social life, isolating
  • Trouble performing daily activities
  • Avoiding people, places, and situations

Depression

thoughts

  • Hopelessness
  • Worthlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Negativity about self or life
  • Suicidal thoughts

body

  • Tired, low energy
  • Aches and pains
  • Appetite or weight changes
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Restlessness or feeling slowed down

emotions

  • Irritability
  • Feeling empty
  • Feeling guilty
  • Loss of interest and motivation
  • Sadness

behavior

  • Self-harm
  • Withdrawing from school work, chores, or other responsibilities
  • Stopping enjoyable activities
  • Withdrawing from loved ones

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