Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
This lack of oxygen can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue and weakness. But can anemia also cause anxiety? The answer is yes; the physical stress of low oxygen levels can indeed contribute to feelings of anxiety.
How anemia could lead to anxiety
Anemia, particularly when severe, affects physical health and can significantly impact mental well-being. This happens through various means:
Reduced oxygen supply
- Anemia primarily reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. 1
- With less oxygen available to body tissues, including the brain, individuals might experience symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Physical symptoms heightening stress
- Common symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath, can be unsettling and may lead to increased stress and worry.
- For someone who might not understand that these are linked to anemia, these symptoms can be frightening, fueling anxiety about their health and well-being.
Impact on cognitive function
- Chronic anemia can affect cognitive functions, leading to difficulty concentrating and general mental fog. 2
- These changes can create frustrations in daily life, especially if performing regular tasks becomes challenging. This ongoing struggle can build up stress and anxiety over time.
Psychological responses
- The continual worry about the implications of having a chronic condition like anemia can also lead to anxiety.
- Concerns about the impact of anemia on one’s life and health, potential treatments, and the management of symptoms can contribute to an increased anxiety level.
The feedback loop between anemia and anxiety
- There’s a potential feedback loop (a psychological response) where anxiety caused by anemia can lead to behaviors that might worsen the anemia, such as poor eating habits or neglecting self-care.
- In turn, worsening anemia can intensify anxiety, creating a cycle that can be hard to break without intervention.
Understanding anemia — what causes it?
Several other factors also contribute to reduced hemoglobin and healthy red blood cells:
Iron deficiency
- The most common type of anemia — iron deficiency anemia, occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce adequate hemoglobin. 3
- Low iron levels can result from inadequate dietary intake, increased iron needs during pregnancy, or blood loss through heavy periods or internal bleeding.
Vitamin deficiency
- Anemia can also result from a lack of certain vitamins needed to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin. 4
- Vitamin B12 and folate are particularly important. Deficiencies may be due to poor diet, certain digestive disorders, or malabsorptive conditions that prevent the absorption of these nutrients from food.
Genetic factors
- Some types of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, are inherited and result from genetic abnormalities that affect the shape or function of red blood cells.
- These conditions lead to premature destruction of red cells or faulty hemoglobin that cannot effectively carry oxygen.
Chronic diseases
- Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or autoimmune diseases can interfere with the production of red blood cells. 5
- For example, chronic inflammation from these conditions can lead to anemia of chronic disease, which affects the body’s ability to use stored iron and produce new red blood cells effectively.
Bone marrow and stem cell problems
- Disorders affecting the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced, can lead to anemia. 6
- This includes conditions like leukemia or myelofibrosis, which can crowd out healthy blood cells with abnormal cells or fibrous tissue.
Other causes
- Other less common causes include hypothyroidism and advanced liver disease. 7
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or certain medications can also affect red blood cell production.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Anemia can influence your overall mental well-being, contributing to feelings similar to those experienced with anxiety. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of anemia:
Fatigue
- Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of anemia, resulting from your body’s lack of oxygen.
- This lack of oxygen affects your energy levels, making daily tasks more challenging.
- Persistent tiredness can lead to unease or nervousness.
Weakness
- A hallmark of anemia is weakness. This can hinder daily activities.
- This weakness can lead to stress and anxiety about completing routine tasks.
- It can make physical activities more difficult, contributing to frustration and anxiety.
Pale or yellowish skin
- The skin’s natural color fades due to decreased hemoglobin in the blood.
- This change can affect your psychological state by changing how you view yourself.
- The noticeable change in appearance might influence social confidence and interactions.
Shortness of breath
- Feeling out of breath after light activities can indicate anemia.
- This breathlessness can provoke feelings of panic or anxiety.
- Abnormal breathing can disrupt daily life, increasing anxiety.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Insufficient oxygen to the brain causes dizziness or lightheadedness.
- These symptoms can trigger disorientation and acute anxiety responses.
Heart palpitations
- Heart palpitations are a common symptom of anemia.
- These irregular beats cause physical discomfort and anxiety.
- Concerns over serious heart conditions can heighten anxiety.
Headaches
- Anemia often causes frequent or severe headaches.
- These headaches can be distressing and cause worry about overall health.
- The pain can lead to ongoing anxiety and affect daily functioning.
Cognitive problems
- Anemia can cause problems with concentration and focus.
- These cognitive issues can lead to anxiety, especially in high-demand situations.
- Struggles with mental tasks can cause stress in work or academic settings.
Chest pain
- Chest pain is a less common but serious symptom of anemia.
- This pain can be particularly alarming and trigger significant anxiety.
- Fears of serious health issues can escalate anxiety levels.
Treating anxiety caused by anemia
When anxiety is a consequence of anemia, addressing the anemia itself is the primary step in treatment. Here are ways to manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms linked to anemia:
Dietary treatment
- Iron supplementation: If the anemia is due to iron deficiency, iron supplements can restore hemoglobin levels, improve oxygen transport, and reduce symptoms like fatigue and weakness that may contribute to anxiety.
- Vitamin B12 and folate supplementation: Appropriate supplementation can help with anemia caused by deficiencies in B12 or folate. These vitamins are crucial for nerve health and cognitive function, potentially reducing anxiety.
- Dietary adjustments: Increasing iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, beans, and red meat) and vitamins that aid in iron absorption (like vitamin C-rich fruits) can help combat anemia and its psychological effects.
Manage anxiety symptoms
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can be highly effective in managing anxiety attacks by helping change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the anxiety caused by anemia.
- Relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help alleviate physical and mental stress and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity increases overall energy levels and improves mood by releasing endorphins, which can counteract the effects of anxiety.
- Adequate sleep: Ensuring enough quality sleep can help regulate mood and improve cognitive function, which is vital in managing anxiety stemming from anemia.
Monitor and follow-up
- Regular medical checkups: Regular follow-ups with a healthcare or mental health provider are crucial to monitor the progress in treating anemia and to adjust treatments as necessary. This also provides an opportunity to discuss any ongoing anxiety issues.
- Psychological support: Consulting with a psychologist or psychiatrist may be recommended for ongoing management of anxiety, especially if it persists after anemia treatment.
Final thoughts
Anemia can greatly affect both your physical health and mental well-being, potentially making anxiety worse.
Treating anemia can help ease these symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, especially if you think it might be related to anemia or other health issues, getting the right help is important.
Reach out to us today for support in managing your anxiety. We’re here to help you feel better.
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Sources
- 1. Bunn, H. F. (2022). Oxygen delivery in the treatment of anemia. The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(24), 2362-2365. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2212266
2. Kung, W.-M., Yuan, S.-P., Lin, M.-S., Wu, C.-C., Islam, M. M., Atique, S., Touray, M., Huang, C.-Y., & Wang, Y.-C. (2021). Anemia and the risk of cognitive impairment: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Sciences, 11(6), 777. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060777
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Anaemia. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/anaemia
4. McNulty, H. (2022). The role of B-vitamins in nutritional anemia. In C. D. Karakochuk, M. B. Zimmermann, D. Moretti, & K. Kraemer (Eds.), Nutritional anemia. Nutrition and health (pp. 173–185). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14521-6_13
5. Kumar, A., Sharma, E., Marley, A., Samaan, M. A., & Brookes, M. J. (2022). Iron deficiency anaemia: Pathophysiology, assessment, practical management. BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 9, e000759. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000759
6. Noebauer-Huhmann, I. M., & Uffmann, M. (2013). Anemias and bone marrow insufficiency. In A. Baur-Melnyk (Ed.), Magnetic resonance imaging of the bone marrow (pp. 193–220). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2012_726
7. Wopereis, D. M., Du Puy, R. S., van Heemst, D., Walsh, J. P., Bremner, A., Bakker, S. J. L., Bauer, D. C., Cappola, A. R., Ceresini, G., Degryse, J., Dullaart, R. P. F., Feller, M., Ferrucci, L., Floriani, C., Franco, O. H., Iacoviello, M., Iervasi, G., Imaizumi, M., Jukema, J. W., … Gussekloo, J., & den Elzen, W. P. J. (2018). The relation between thyroid function and anemia: A pooled analysis of individual participant data. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(10), 3658-3667. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00481