STRESS OR ANXİETY?

Stress and anxiety share similar symptoms. However, stress occurs as a short-term response to a real danger, whereas anxiety can persist and may not have an easily identifiable trigger.

Both stress and anxiety are natural parts of the body’s fight-or-flight response mechanism to danger. The purpose of this response is to keep humans alert, focused, and ready to confront or deal with danger.

Although they can sometimes be exhausting, both are normal reactions.

Differences Between Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are natural responses that are part of our body’s built-in “fight or flight” mechanism. When we feel threatened, our body releases stress hormones, gearing us up to react quickly. This includes a faster heartbeat and increased blood flow to our muscles and organs, preparing us to confront or escape from danger. Alongside this physical response, our mind sharpens, and our body releases energy resources to cope with the situation. This whole process happens swiftly and is what we commonly refer to as stress.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is our body’s reaction to stress. Many people experience anxiety as a sense of unease, worry, or fear before facing a significant event or challenge. It helps keep us vigilant and ready to respond. The fight-or-flight response can kick in when we perceive a physical or emotional threat, even if it’s not immediately present. While it serves a protective purpose, anxiety can sometimes become overwhelming and affect our daily lives.

Symptoms

The symptoms of stress and anxiety overlap in many ways. When someone is stressed, they may notice:

• İncreased heart rate
• Deep breathing
• Intrusive thoughts
• Feeling emotionally cloudy, irritable, or on edge
• A general sense of sadness
• Restlessness
• Loneliness or isolation
• Sweating
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea or constipation

When a person feels anxious, they may experience the following symptoms:

• Faster heart rate
• Breathing faster
• A feeling of anxiety or fear
• Don’t sweat
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nervousness
• Tension
• Anxiety

How to distinguish between stress and anxiety?

Stress is a normal reaction to a difficult situation or event. It is our body’s first response to stressors such as a difficult job, financial worries or relationship problems. Although stress is unpleasant, it can be a positive motivator that helps you overcome a problem. However, if stress persists and becomes chronic, it can lead to physical and mental health problems such as headaches, fatigue, and depression.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a set of feelings characterized by extreme fear and worry, even when there is no apparent danger. Unlike stress, anxiety is not always related to a specific event or situation. People with anxiety disorders may experience feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or fear that persist and interfere with their daily lives.

While stress can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as physical activity, mindfulness practices, and better sleep, anxiety usually requires a more in-depth approach that includes therapy, medication, and self-care practices.

Treatment for anxiety usually includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help relieve anxiety symptoms.

Managing stress is also important, as chronic stress can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder or depression. Psychotherapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help identify sources of stress and develop coping strategies.

Understanding the differences between stress and anxiety is critical to good mental health management. Whether you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, it’s important to find the most effective treatment options and seek help and support to lead a happy, healthy life.

If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, or if you want to talk to someone about your symptoms, contact a mental health professional for support and guidance.