Stress and anxiety present similar symptoms. However, stress tends to be short-term and in response to a recognizable threat. Anxiety can persist 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 the person is alert, focused, and ready to deal with a threat.
Both stress and anxiety are normal, but sometimes they can overwhelm people.
When someone feels threatened, the body releases stress hormones.
Stress hormones make the heart beat faster, resulting in more blood pumped to the organs and limbs.
This response allows the person to be ready to fight or flee. They also breathe faster and blood pressure increases.
At the same time, a person’s senses sharpen, and the body releases nutrients into the blood to ensure all parts have the energy they need.
This process happens very quickly, and experts call it stress. Anxiety is the body’s response to that stress.
Many people recognize anxiety as the feeling of distress, restlessness, or dread that someone has before a significant event. It keeps them alert and aware.
The fight-or-flight response can be activated when someone faces a physical or emotional threat, real or perceived. Although it can be helpful, for some people, it can interfere with daily life.
There are many similarities between the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
When someone is stressed
• accelerated heart rate
• rapid breathing
• anxious thoughts
• bad mood, irritability, or anger
• general unhappiness
• feeling overwhelmed
• loneliness
• nausea
• dizziness
• diarrhea or constipation
When someone is anxious
• accelerated heart rate
• rapid breathing
• feeling of restlessness or dread
• sweating
• diarrhea or constipation
• nervousness
• tension
• restlessness
Managing stress and anxiety
• breathing exercises
• focus on a calming word, like ‘peace’ or ‘calm’
• visualize a peaceful scene, like a beach or a meadow
• practice yoga
• practice tai chi
• count slowly to 10
Physical activity can help people combat stressful situations. This can be a brisk walk, a bike ride, or a run. The fluid movements of activities like yoga and qigong can also help people feel calm.
Talk about it
Talking about your concerns, whether in person, by phone, or online, can help people relieve stress. People can choose to talk to a friend, partner, family member, or coworker, if it’s someone they trust.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends that people take care of their mind and body and take steps when they can.
If someone starts feeling stressed or anxious all the time or most of the time, they should talk to a doctor. They may be suffering from chronic stress or an anxiety disorder.
Warning signs to watch for
• excessive anxiety that interferes with daily life
• misuse of drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety
• irrational fears
• significant change in sleep habits
• significant change in eating habits
• significant change in personal hygiene habits
• persistently low mood
• thoughts of self-harm
• suicidal thoughts
• feeling of loss of control
Source: medicalnewstoday.com