Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different experiences with distinct symptoms. There is a lot of difference between stress and anxiety. Let us know about it.
STRESS
It is an experience which is marked by anger, fatigue, muscle pain, adrenal rush, stomach sensations and difficulty in sleeping due to the presence of a stressor.
Symptoms of Stress
- Adrenal rush (increased heart rate, breathlessness)
- Sleeping Difficulties
- Digestive issues
- Anger
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Frustration
Stress triggers from a situation which is stressful in nature. Stress ends when stressful situation ends.
*What is stressful in nature varies from individual to individual*
Hans selye described the concept of Eustress and Distress.
Eustress : It is the positive stress that helps to initiate action and motivates you to complete tasks. It increases your performance efficiency. For Example, when you have to submit an assignment next day and yours is incomplete then you get stressed and this stress creates an adrenal rush or motivates you to complete the work with more speed in order to submit it on time. If you do not get this stress then you may neglect the assignment and consequently land up not submitting the assignment next day.
Distress : It is the negative stress which affects you negatively and decreases your performance efficiency. It occurs for a longer duration, can lead to anxiety and is demotivating. For Example, financial crisis you tend to avoid situations try to run away from problems , constantly worry over things, feel demotivated, lack of sleep, negative thoughts. Hence this stress is nowhere helping you and impacting you negatively.
Hence, Stress can be caused by both positive and negative experiences and is a normal part of daily life.
PS : STRESS OCCURS DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A STIMULUS.
ANXIETY
Individual suffering from anxiety experiences consistent restlessness, worry, feeling of unease even without the presence of any stressor. Does not occur due to any specific circumstance or situation. It is a broader term which includes stress and stays for long term and can lead to anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Breathlessness
- Constant worry that don’t go away
- Hypervigilance( constantly alert about surroundings)
- Insomnia
- Irrational fears
- feelings of emptiness
- Sweating
- Nervousness
There are two types of anxiety state anxiety and trait anxiety.
- State Anxiety : It is a natural response to stress. It occurs due to a specific situation or stimulus and is temporary in nature that is it starts reducing when the stressful situation is over.
- Trait Anxiety : It is a type of anxiety which is a part of personality and remains consistent without presence of any specific stressor or stimulus. It is reflected in the way of thinking, acting, feelings and behavior of individual. It is not temporary in nature
Anxiety can interfere with daily life and relationships, and may even lead to physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems.
PS: ANXIETY DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY SPECIFIC STIMULUS TO OCCUR IT CAN OCCUR WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF STIMULUS TOO
Stress Vs Anxiety (Conclusion)
While stress and anxiety can be related, they are not the same thing. Stress is often a short-term response to a specific situation, while anxiety is a more ongoing feeling that can persist even in the absence of an immediate stressor. If you are experiencing symptoms of either stress or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.
