Stress vs. Anxiety

Are you stressed or anxious?  Often these two words are used interchangeably when they can  actually be  very different from one another. Stress occurs when we we become overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, worried, or nervous.  When we are stressed,  adrenaline and cortisol are released in our bodies to help us cope better with the stressful situation.  When these hormones flush into our bodies, we are able to concentrate better, become more alert, have a sharper memory, and all of our senses are heightened to help us survive through stressful events. Also, our breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure increase which moves more oxygen-rich blood faster to our brain, heart and muscles to help us fight or flee!  Our bodies are protecting us from threats. However, sometimes we don't need all of our physical defense mechanisms in place to deal with everyday stresses such as work, household chores, taking care of children, or marriage...but our bodies still act as if we are in major threat.  Too much stress can cause stress on our bodies which can account for a number of various psychological and physical problems. 

This is where anxiety may occur.  Anxiety can be caused by severe stress and is closely related to fear of something. Our fight or flight hormones kick in here as well. When we are anxious, we are afraid to face something, we fear we will not be able to handle it.  Many times the underlying fear of an anxious person is unknown to them until they attempt to uncover the root of their anxiety. Sometimes, if a person was  in a high stressful situation and their physical defense mechanisms (sympathietic nervous system) kicked in, overwhelmed their body, and they became fearful of their response and/or the situation, they may have experienced a panic attack. After a first panic attack, many people begin to become extremely fearful that they will have another panic attack in a public place or while driving.  Thus, anxiety is created about having anxiety.  This is just one example where anxiety and panic attacks may stem from.  Anxiety can stem from a number of fears and can sometimes turn into specific phobias.  Fears can stem from our thoughts and ideas or actual past experiences that have traumatized us or just scared us.  Millions of Americans struggle with anxiety everyday.  It is a very common human emotion that functions to protect us from dangerous situations, however, the emotion also arises in perceived danger that can, in fact, be completely harmless. 

If you are struggling with anxiety and feel that it is effecting any part of your life, you may want to seek help.  Don't let anxiety control your life. A therapist can help you uncover your fears, reprogram your thoughts and responses (yes, even the physical ones!) , and teach you helpful coping skills to take control of your anxiety and lead a happier life. 

When we experience the physical responses our bodies put in place to protect us, it is important to be aware whether we are stressed or anxious.  In order to help ourselves, we must find the root of the problem to solve the problem. 

Can you differentiate your stress and anxiety? Does your body react the same to both or do you have unique symptoms for each?