Being cold makes my anxiety worse - anyone else?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

Did not realise this before. Possibly because I have been fortunate to never really have a cold house before.

We're staying in a holiday home, and by mistake knocked the heating off, and the place obviously became quite nippy. Am shocked at how this seemed to affect my mood, I suddenly felt really anxious [shocked]

Have you ever noticed this?

It really made me feel sad for folk who struggle to afford heating. It is fucking shit to be cold and not be able to resolve it, whether it makes you anxious or not!

Interesting that being cold increases anxiety for you. I am usually warm, but when I am scared / unhappy, I feel cold and shivery, regardless of the ambient temperature.

Yes! I think there’s a bit of overlap in some of the physiological symptoms.

Yes, I absolutely cannot bear being cold. It affects my entire being. I would rather be hungry than cold. I know how you feel, OP.

I'm not sure about anxiety but if I'm cold it completely preoccupies me and I cannot think about anything other than the fact I'm cold. It makes me truly miserable and I experience it like pain. I would also far rather be hungry.

YES! I think it's to do with the fact that you tense up when cold, and then (at least for me) breathe less deeply. I have a wonderful fleecey blanket by my desk which I swathe around myself to keep myself warm, toasty and more relaxed.