Is it normal for anxiety sufferers to be clumsy &/or use poor judgment in an anxiety-provoking situation?

Question

I suffer OCD, anxiety, Tourette's, & depression. In an anxiety-triggered situation, I can't think straight, & my judgment is impaired. I'm also VERY ditzy & clumsy in these situations.

Answer 1

Yes, That is very common. I hope you are seeking medical help. I waited 30 years to finally get the courage to ask for help.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Very normal.  You should be very careful in what you are doing.  Even if you aren't suffering from being dizzy and clumsy and anxiety attack can make you not think straight anyways.  You should sit back, relax, take your medication and wait for the attack to be over.  If you don't take medication then you need to breathe deep and take it easy.  Count to ten and just take it as easy as you can.  It will pass in good time. Don't do anything, just relax.

Peace & Love :)

Answer 3

Happens to me all the time - I have general anxiety and major depression. I'm sure it has to do with our frame of mind.  

Answer 4

same here

edit: i had a few such moments today

Answer 5

Completely normal. Fear "makes you stupid", but actually, your brain has very clever reasons for this.

eg: You are walking down the street and a car suddenly swerves onto the pavement, driving towards you very fast. Would you stop, ponder what had happened to the car, what colour it was and how much damage it could do? No, of course not. You would be in a fight or flight situation and your brain would instantly shut down all parts of itself that were of no use and tell you to get the h**l out the way of the car!

That's what happens with anxiety attacks. You send the message to your brain that there is a threat and your brains responds accordingly by shutting down all but your fight or flight response so that nothing clouds your ability to deal with the threat (or supposed threat) as quickly as possible. Effectively making you "stupid" (although not really, of course).

Another reason is that anxiety causes us to hyperventilate, thereby messing with our body's carbon monoxide levels. You may not even notice you're hyperventilating, but it causes dizziness, vertigo, feeling of unreality and nausea. And all that's down to is not breathing correctly. A good exercise for this is 7/11 breathing:

Breathe in slowly for the count of 7, then out again for the count of 11. If you can't manage this, then in for 3, out for 5. The important thing is to exhale for longer than you inhale. This technique will help to regulate your carbon monoxide levels and you'll notice a huge difference to your mental state as soon as that happens.

Good luck.