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Why does my body go weightless when I feel anxious

14 Answers
Last Updated: 09/17/2018 at 9:43pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Greece
Moderated by

Johanna Liasides, MSc, PhDc

Psychologist

I work with youth and young adults to help them improve depressive symptoms and self-esteem as well as effectively address family, relationship and peer conflicts.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 6th, 2015 6:46am
This is your body's 'fight or flight' response. When your body is under stressful conditions, whether it is physical, or emotional, your body reacts by sending blood to the extremities to allow it to either flee from, or fight with, an element. Your body may feel numb, as it is going through this physiological response to stress.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2015 11:49pm
Your body goes weightless (actually, feels weightless) because the anxiety is such an strong thing and it gets so present in your reality, fading the awareness of yourself, of your existence and body.
Porong
July 25th, 2016 4:03pm
When people are anxious, their body engages into a fight or flight system. This is a natural human ability in which the body responds to external stresses around them. However, for people who have anxiety, their fight or flight system overloads, causing them to think that they are in trouble even if they're not. This leaves them agitated and this leaves them panicked about things that shouldn't be at all taken too seriously. The weightlessness is part of the body trying to "flight" away from the situation.
windfox3
July 2nd, 2018 5:08am
I have never actually felt my body go weightless when anxious. Mostly I feel my stomach churn, my pulse accelerate and my skin turn clammy. All of these symptoms are part of the autonomous nervous system kicking in for fight or flight mode. Maybe for some people it does feel 'weightless' because all your blood is drawing into your core organs, preparing your body to run like heck, or fight like the devil. Personally, for me though it is not a weightless sensation. It is jittery, shaky, jumpy energy. You can control it though by first remembering the sensation comes from adrenaline pouring into your bloodstream. And slowing that adrenaline with slow, deep breathing. Then further the relaxation with a full body scan... my head feels fine there is no pain, my arms feel fine, there is no pain, my hands feel fine, there is no pain, etc.
DreamBig91
September 17th, 2018 9:43pm
I guess sometimes you can feel so caught up in how you feel, all that's there is your mind. You would think feeling weightless can be a good thing. It might, maybe if you're going on a run or dancing. But, when you're feeling anxious, you have so much on your mind and can't stop thinking about 8 million different things. I think your body would want to run away from those intense feelings. Remember, and I know this too well...when the thoughts in your head aren't healthy and happy, it's doing damage to your body too. Take care of your mind as you would for your body. Even though feeling weightless can sometimes be a good feeling. I'd much prefer to feel grounded. I hope you feel the same too.
KindlyBunny
June 23rd, 2015 10:25pm
It depends. Sometimes your anxiety becomes your brain's top priority, so it stops focusing on the rest of your body, however, if you're experience a panic attack, it can be lack of oxygen reaching the brain due to hyperventilation.
IntuitiveDrops
June 1st, 2015 3:31pm
You most likely try to get away from your body sensations because they feel so intense. So you will unconciously try to "fly out" off your body. This is a very common feeling when getting anxious.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2018 3:36pm
The emotion gives you the heady sensation and you heart flutters away. Then, you are reshifted to another perspective, framed by your anxiety.
velvetheart
March 3rd, 2015 4:13am
My body goes weightless when I feel anxious because although I want to be present and enjoy those around me I have learned from personal experience that sometimes floating away and not existing keeps me from being hurt by others.
Anonymous
March 5th, 2018 12:32am
Your body can become weightless when you're feeling anxious because you're mind has full attention in a moment and which forgets anything else that it should be doing at the time.
unitea
May 18th, 2015 2:20am
That's a common feeling when experiencing anxiety. It's best to sit down somewhere and drink water until you feel better. It'll always help to talk to someone about your anxiety as well.
brightHug87
June 17th, 2015 3:50am
Your body can go weightless when you are feeling anxious for may different reasons. Practicing grounding techniques, and deep breathing is something you can do quickly and quietly to help ground your energy so you don't feel as anxious and weightless.
Blaine62
January 26th, 2016 9:05pm
I'm not sure because I'm not a doctor but it probably has to do with hyperventilating and getting dizzy and feeling like your legs are rubbery
Anonymous
July 23rd, 2018 3:10pm
There is a possibility that you have the feeling of numbness because of all the anxiety felt at that time.