Just like fight or flight response is embedded into our system to get out of dangerous situations, the same goes for stress and anxiety. Whenever we face a not-so-familiar situation in life or confront our fears, we feel anxious and stressed out, wondering what happens next. This is absolutely normal.
However, when these feelings start taking over our everyday routine and make us almost immobile, that’s when it becomes a reason of concern. Let’s start by understanding how these two are different from one another.
Stress vs. Anxiety
According to the Global Organization for Stress, over 75% of Americans experience high to moderate levels of stress every day. Whenever we feel under threat, our body releases natural stress hormones that cause our heart to beat faster, eventually leading to more blood being pumped to our limbs and organs.
Anxiety is the reaction our body produces to this stress. This is usually in the form of distress, feeling of uneasiness, and dread. This is precisely what makes us feel more alert and aware of what’s happening around us.
The Symptoms
While the symptoms of both of these responses can sometimes be quite similar, here are some distinguishing factors that’ll help you understand the two terms:
Stress:
- Faster heartbeat
- Fast breathing
- Anxiousness
- Anger, irritability, or moodiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhea
Apart from the feelings mentioned above, when anxiety kicks in, you will also feel:
- Sweating
- Nervousness
- Tenseness
- Restlessness
- Shivering hands or body
How to Tell Them Apart?
It’s important to understand that stress and anxiety are pretty similar. They make our body react almost the same way for both problems. However, stress is more short-termed and is usually a response to threat. On the other hand, anxiety can linger on for quite some time, even if nothing is triggering it. It’s more like the after-effect of the stress that caused it initially.
How Do I Know When to Seek Help?
As mentioned above, stress and anxiety are normal responses our body produces when we feel threatened. However, sometimes these stressors can make you feel overwhelmed, taking over your life, and preventing you from going about your routine.
If any of the following starts happening, it’s time to seek professional help:
- Stress and anxiety start taking over and interfering with the essential parts of your life, such as education or relationships.
- You feel emotionally overwhelmed, which puts you through added distress.
- You develop severe breathing issues as soon as stress or anxiety kicks in.
- The stress or anxiety caused is due to a traumatic past or current experience.
- Stress and anxiety lead to harmful thoughts or hopelessness.
The medical world has made many advancements with treatments for most issues, including stress and anxiety. If you feel like handling stress and anxiety is now beyond your control, get in touch with Advanced Hypnotherapy of Naples today!
We are a hypnotherapy clinic based in Florida with solutions for your health issues. Our certified staff has over 20 years of experience specializing in stress management in Naples. If you or your loved one is facing stress-related issues, reach out to us today to provide you with the necessary help.
With us, you’re always in safe hands. Visit our website now for more information.
