Anxiety vs Stress: The difference

Stress and anxiety are a natural part of fight or flight, the body's response to danger. The purpose of this response is to ensure that people are alert, focused and ready to deal with threats.

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 receive treatment. difference between stress and anxiety

Both stress and anxiety are part of the body's natural fight-or-flight response. In case of danger, 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 fight or flee. It also causes rapid breathing and increases blood pressure. At the same time, a person's senses are sharpened and the body releases nutrients into the blood so that all parts receive the necessary energy.

This process happens so quickly that experts call it stress. Anxiety is the body's response to this stress.

Many people experience anxiety as a need, anxiety, or fear that someone experiences before an important event. It wakes them up and keeps them awake. The fight-or-flight response can occur when someone is faced with real or imagined physical or emotional danger. While this may be convenient for some, it can disrupt the daily life of some.

Symptoms

The symptoms of stress and anxiety have many similarities. When someone is stressed, they may experience:

• fast heartbeat
• faster breathing
• anxiety
• moodiness, irritability or anger
• general complaints
• restlessness
• feelings of loneliness
• nausea
• dizziness
• diarrhea or constipation.

When someone is anxious, they may experience:

• rapid heartbeat
• faster breathing
• discomfort or fear
• sweating
• diarrhea or constipation
• nervousness
• tension
• restlessness

Detachment between stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are part of the same physical reaction and have similar symptoms. This means they can be difficult to tell apart. Stress is usually short-lived and a response to a perceived threat. Anxiety can persist and sometimes it seems that nothing is causing it.

Treatment and Management

Stress and anxiety can be treated or managed in a number of ways, including:

Relaxation strategy

Relaxation strategies help people cope with stress and anxiety. These include:

• Breathing method (Indonsia)
• Focusing on calming words such as "calm" and "calm."
• Imagine a peaceful scene like this:
•  Beach or meadow
• Yoga practice
• Tai Chi practice
• Slowly count to 10
• Exercise

Physical activity helps people cope with stressful situations. This can be brisk walking, cycling or running. Flowing movements such as yoga and qigong can also help calm people down.

Talk About It

Talking about your concerns in person, on the phone, or online can relieve stress. If you want, you can talk to a friend, partner, family member or colleague if you trust them.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America advises people to take care of their mind and body 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 them stress and anxiety
• limit caffeine and alcohol
• eat a balanced diet
• n Get enough sleep
• Exercise every day

Can one be the other

Stress can turn into anxiety. Stress is the body's response to danger, and anxiety is the body's response to stress.

When to See a Doctor

Stress and anxiety are not necessarily harmful. These are natural short-term reactions that people need to feel 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
• Abuse of drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety
• Irrational fear
• Significant changes in sleeping habits
• n significant changes in diet
• Major changes in personal hygiene habits
• persistent depressed mood
• thoughts of self-harm or harm
• suicidal thoughts
• feeling out of control

Summary

Stress and anxiety are completely normal human responses to threatening or distressing situations. They are part of the fight or flight system that protects us by preparing the body to deal with danger.

Stress is the body's response to danger, and anxiety is the body's response to stress. People can manage stress and anxiety through 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.