What is stress and anxiety?

Any internal psychological, or physiological response to a trigger or stressor is referred to as stress. Most of us experience stress on a daily basis. Common symptoms of stress include irritability, anger, digestive problems, feeling nervous or anxious, fatigue, headache, muscle tension and feeling depressed. Everyday stress can impact our health negatively and lead to the development of both physical and psychological conditions. Anxiety is a fundamental human emotion that produces bodily reactions that prepare us for fight or flight. Anxiety is also considered to be an anticipatory emotion in that the dreaded situation or event has not yet occurred. Anxiety often produces worry, tension and physiological reactivity. People vary in how they express their anxiety, what triggers their anxiety and in the severity of their anxiety reactions. Fear is a more intense emotion experienced in response to a threatening situation or circumstance. Unfounded fear and/or anxiety that interferes with our daily functioning and that produces clinically significant life impairment, or distress is a sign of an anxiety disorder.

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress is usually a reaction to an external source, such as a tight deadline at work or a disagreement with a friend, and it goes away after the matter is settled. Because stress is caused by external circumstances, confronting them might be beneficial. Anxiety is a person's individual response to stress, and it has an internal source. Anxiety is defined as a "continuous feeling of dread or anxiety" in situations that are not genuinely dangerous. Anxiety, unlike stress, lasts even after a worry has subsided. In more severe circumstances. Anxiety can develop into an anxiety disorder. Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are several types of anxiety disorders. It's critical to be able to recognise and distinguish between indicators of stress and worry. Anxiety is commonly triggered by stress, and it's vital to identify anxiety symptoms early on to avoid developing an anxiety disorder.

How are stress, anxiety, and anxiety disorders treated?

Various techniques can be implemented to help manage stress and anxiety. Healthy lifestyle choices such as good sleeping and eating habits can alleviate stress and anxiety symptoms. Medication is another alternative to treating anxiety. Various evidenced-based psychotherapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Reset Therapy and or Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT) have proven helpful in assisting individuals who struggle with managing stress and anxiety. Psychodynamic therapy is also an approach that yields positive results. Research has shown that medication coupled with psychotherapy represents the optimal treatment for anxiety disorders.