Stress and anxiety have similar symptoms. However, stress tends to be short term and in response to a recognizable threat. Anxiety may linger and not have an easily identifiable trigger.
Both stress and anxiety are a natural part of the fight or flight response and the body’s reaction to danger. The purpose of this response is to ensure a person is alert, focused, and ready to deal with a threat.
Both stress and anxiety are normal, but they can sometimes overwhelm people.
When someone feels under threat, their body releases stress hormones.
Stress hormones cause the heart to beat faster, resulting in more blood pumping to the organs and limbs.
This response allows a person to be ready to either fight or run away. They also breathe faster, and their blood pressure goes up.
At the same time, a person’s senses become sharper, and their body releases nutrients into the blood to ensure all parts have the energy they need.
This process happens really quickly, and experts call it stress. Anxiety is the body’s response to that stress.
Many people will recognize anxiety as the feeling of distress, unease, or dread that someone has before a significant event. It keeps them alert and aware.
The fight or flight response can kick in when someone faces a physical or emotional, real or perceived threat. While it can be useful, for some people, it can interfere with everyday life.
There are many similarities between the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
When someone is stressed
• faster heartbeat
• faster breathing
• anxious thoughts
• moodiness, irritability, or anger
• general unhappiness
• a feeling of being overwhelmed
• loneliness
• nausea
• dizziness
• diarrhea or constipation
When someone is anxious
• faster heartbeat
• faster breathing
• a feeling of unease or dread
• sweating
• diarrhea or constipation
• nervousness
• tenseness
• restlessness
Manage stress and anxiety
• breathing exercises
• focusing on a soothing word, such as ‘peace’ or ‘calm’
• visualizing a tranquil scene, such as a beach or meadow
• practicing yoga
• practicing ta chi
• slowly counting to 10
Physical activity can help people to combat stressful situations. This might be a brisk walk, a cycle, or a run. The fluid movements of activities such as yoga and qi gong can also help people to feel calm.
Talking about it
Talking about their worries, whether face-to-face, over the phone, or via the in-ernet, can help people to ease stress. People might choose to chat with a friend, partner, family member, or co-worker if it is someone they trust.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America advise that people look after their mind and body and take action when they can.
If someone starts to feel stressed or anxious all or a lot of the time, they should speak to a doctor. They may be suffering from chronic stress or an anxiety disorder.
Warning signs to look out
• excessive anxiety that interferes with everyday life
• misusing drugs or alcohol to deal with stress or anxiety
• irrational fears
• a significant change in sleeping habits
• a significant change in eating habits
• a significant change in personal hygiene habits
• a prolonged low mood
• thinking about self-harming
• suicidal thoughts
• feeling out of control
Source: medicalnewstoday.com