If left untreated, chronic anxiety and anxiety disorders can lead to mental, physical, and emotional complications that may affect your overall quality of life.

Although some complications may be within your control and can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, others may require professional help.

It’s possible to have an excellent quality of life even if you have an anxiety disorder. If you’re finding it hard to cope on your own, professional care can help you manage your symptoms.

Anxiety treatments — like therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes — can reduce your risk of developing anxiety complications, too.

Depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand.

Research based on an international survey shows that 45.7% of people with major depressive disorder have had one or more anxiety disorders. This may be because both conditions can have similar causes — including genetic origins, trauma, and neglect.

The constant worry and stress associated with anxiety can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness, characteristic of depression. Likewise, the complications associated with depression can cause you to feel anxious.

It’s a good idea to address both conditions simultaneously, as untreated anxiety can worsen depressive symptoms. Both anxiety and depression can be treated through therapy and, when necessary, medication.

Anxiety disorders are associated with a range of sleep disturbances, like insomnia, less favorable sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Anxiety can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, and lack of sleep can make your anxiety symptoms feel worse.

Many people with anxiety report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep. On the other hand, you might also find yourself sleeping excessively as a way to escape anxiety.

According to research, about 60% to 70% of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) report experiencing sleep disturbances.

Addressing anxiety through therapy or medication can improve sleep quality and overall health.

Chronic anxiety can affect your executive function, which are skills that you need to work toward goal-oriented behaviors like work, home chores, and organizing your day-to-day life.

Anxiety can make it challenging to focus, regulate your emotions, and perform well in daily activities. This can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines, and decreased productivity.

Specific anxiety disorders can affect your performance in specific ways. For example, social anxiety might affect your ability to keep social appointments and focus in busy spaces (like offices, classrooms, the grocery store, and more).

In turn, this executive dysfunction can lead to further stress, worsening your anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can lead to social isolation.

The fear of judgment or embarrassment may cause you to avoid social situations, leading to loneliness and a decreased support network.

Social isolation can further exacerbate anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, chronic pain is strongly associated with anxiety.

Research has found links between anxiety and:

  • fibromyalgia
  • migraine
  • back pain
  • arthritis
  • gastrointestinal issues

In addition to anxiety leading to chronic pain, chronic pain may also worsen anxiety and depression.

Addressing anxiety can help alleviate some of these physical symptoms, improving overall quality of life.

Anxiety disorders are commonly associated with substance use disorders and substance misuse in general. In fact, substance misuse is one of the most common comorbid conditions in people with generalized anxiety disorder.

There are several reasons for this link. People with anxiety may turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, leading to substance misuse.

Additionally, anxiety medications like benzodiazepines — although very helpful for many people with anxiety — can be addictive.

This can create a dangerous cycle where substance use worsens anxiety symptoms, leading to increased use.

Research has also found that the more severe your anxiety is, the more likely you are to misuse substances.

Like anxiety disorders, substance use disorders can be treated and managed well. If you have both an anxiety disorder and a substance use disorder, you’ll likely be treated for both simultaneously.

According to research, anxiety disorders are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This includes both suicidal ideation and attempting suicide.

People with anxiety may feel overwhelmed by their symptoms, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. This can, in turn, lead to suicidal thoughts.

It’s crucial to seek immediate help if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Although anxiety can be overwhelming, it’s important to know that there are many treatments that can improve your quality of life.

Read more about dealing with suicidal thoughts and helping a suicidal loved one.

Anxiety can lead to a range of complications that impact physical, emotional, and social well-being.

But anxiety is a treatable condition. Early treatment can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing these complications.

If you or someone you know is living with anxiety, seeking professional help can lead to effective treatment and improved quality of life. Remember, anxiety is manageable, and you don’t have to face it alone.

We have many resources on treating anxiety that you might find helpful, including:


Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.