If you have realized that you hear ringing in your ears but there is no actual sound that can be an external source that has caused it, you may be suffering from tinnitus.
Although this state can come from various conditions, in this article we will talk about how it can be caused by anxiety or depression.
The relationship between tinnitus and anxious and depressive states is complex and multifaceted, but I will try to explain it to you in a simple manner, including both physiological and psychological factors:
Stress response
It is no secret that chronic anxiety and severe stress can cause various physical symptoms, including tinnitus. The problem with physical symptoms that come from stress and grief is that those can lead to heightened anxiety, which creates a vicious circle.
Fight or flight mode
When you are in the grieving process, there will be very long periods of time when you will feel like you are trapped in a fight or flight mode. Your body will act that way as well. Sleep disturbances are what come after this issue, leading to insomnia, breathing issues, and hyperventilation.
Poor sleep and lack of sleep
Previously, I have already mentioned how severe anxiety can lead to bad sleeping patterns. When you are awake at night, you may be noticing even the slightest changes happening in your body, and realize you have tinnitus as well. This, again, leads to a vicious anxious circle.
Shared neurological pathways
Psychologists and doctors claim that tinnitus, anxiety, and depression share common neurological pathways and neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin, GABA). You know that when you are feeling sad and going through a grieving process, your serotonin levels won’t be normal and will probably be very low. Try to find an activity you can enjoy to increase your happiness hormones.
What may represent effective interventions for tinnitus, anxiety, and depression?
Treatments like CBT that address both tinnitus and psychological distress can significantly improve overall well-being.
In our blog section, we have already written about the best and most effective therapies for anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder, which you can read more about here.
