Stress vs. anxiety: How to tell the difference
Both stress and anxiety are normal, but they can also overwhelm a person.
This article explains the differences and similarities between stress and anxiety and discusses treatment and management strategies. It also explains when someone can get treatment. difference between stress and anxiety
Both stress and anxiety are part of the body's natural fight or flight response. When threatened, the body releases stress hormones.
Stress hormones make your heart beat faster and pump more blood to your organs and limbs.
This reaction allows a person to choose to fight or flee. It also causes rapid breathing and increases blood pressure. At the same time, human senses become sharper and the body releases nutrients into the blood so that all parts have the energy they need.
This process happens so quickly that experts call it stress. Anxiety is the body's response to this stress.
Many people perceive anxiety as a feeling of need, anxiety, or fear that someone has before an important event.It wakes them up and keeps them alert. The fight-or-flight response can occur when someone faces a real or perceived threat, physical or emotional. While it can be convenient for some, it can interfere with daily life for some people.
symptoms
The symptoms of stress and anxiety have many similarities. When someone is stressed, they may experience:
- Fast heartbeat
- Breathing faster
- Anxiety
- Moody, irritable, or angry
- General complaints
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Loneliness
- Nausea
- Dizzy
- Diarrhea or constipation
When someone becomes anxious, they may experience:
- Fast heartbeat
- Breathing faster
- Discomfort or fear
- Sweat
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nervousness
- Tension
- Restlessness
How to distinguish between stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety are part of the same physical response and have similar symptoms. This means that it can be difficult to distinguish between them. Stress is usually short-term and a reaction to a perceived threat. Anxiety can be ongoing, and sometimes nothing seems to be causing it.
Treatment and administration
Stress and anxiety can be treated or managed in a number of ways, including:
relaxation strategy
Relaxation strategies help people deal with stress and anxiety. They include:
- Breathing method
- Focusing on calming words such as "peace" and "calmness"
- Visualize a quiet scene like this: B. Beach or Meadow
- Yoga practice
- Tai chi practice
- Count slowly to 10
Exercise
Physical activity helps people cope with stressful situations. This can be a brisk walk, bike ride, or run. Also, fluid movements such as yoga and qigong can help calm people down.
Talk about
Talking about your concerns in person, on the phone, or online can help relieve stress. You can choose to chat with a friend, partner, family member, or colleague, as long as you trust them.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America advises people to take care of their minds and bodies and take action whenever possible.
People can:
- Accept that you can't control everything
- Don't strive for perfection, do your best
- Learn what causes their stress and anxiety
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get enough sleep
- Practice every day
Can one be the other?
Stress can turn into anxiety. Stress is the body's response to threat, and anxiety is the body's response to stress.
When to see a doctor
Stress and anxiety are not necessarily bad. They are natural, short-term reactions that people need to stay safe. Talk to your doctor if you feel stressed or anxious all the time or often. You may suffer from chronic stress or anxiety disorders.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Excessive anxiety that interferes with daily life
- Abusing drugs or alcohol to deal with stress or anxiety
- irrational fear
- Major changes in sleep habits
- big change in diet
- Significant changes in personal hygiene habits
- persistent depressed mood
- thoughts of self-harm or self-harm
- suicidal ideation
- feeling out of control
Summary
Stress and anxiety are perfectly normal human reactions to threatening or upsetting situations. They are part of the fight or flight response that protects us by preparing the body to deal with danger.
Stress is the body's response to threat, and anxiety is the body's response to stress. People can manage stress and anxiety with relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, physical activity, and talking about their worries.
Stress and anxiety can overwhelm a person. When this happens, it can lead to chronic stress and anxiety disorders. If stress and anxiety are interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor.
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