The protective armor response is associated with physical symptoms as hormones rush through the body. This armor becomes noticeable in the form of a raised heart rate, stomach discomfort, headache, muscle aches, feeling of lump in throat, sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, or trembling.
These symptoms are often misunderstood and frightening, leading to more feelings of worry and nervousness. Children may develop adaptive behaviors like avoidance, excessive worrying, parent reassurance dependence and a need for perfection or increased control.
Anxiety can be a problem when our body continually triggers protective armor in the absence of real danger.