Anxiety VS Stress – Causes

Both stress and anxiety are caused by an emotional state. However, there are several differences between stress and anxiety. While stress is often caused by situations that are objectively stressful such as important exams, financial hardships, a new job,  significant life change such as death of someone that’s close to you, new marriage or a new baby, anxiety is an inappropriate response.

Anxiety has a crippling effect on the individual who is experiencing it, and it is usually associated with an increased risk (as the individual perceives it) to suffer pain, discomfort, loss of freedom or death.

For example, a person that faints whenever someone mentions eye surgery of any kind have a severe anxiety. A person who is about to undergo a dangerous eye surgery might experience stress due to the risks involved.

Anxiety VS Stress – Symptoms

Both stress and anxiety can manifest themselves physically, behaviorally, emotionally and in various cognitive manners. However,  a person who is experiencing stress will be able to continue to function properly, while a person suffering from anxiety will not be able to live his life without interruption.

Physical stress symptoms include nausea, muscle ache,  diarrhea, constipation, chest pain and a tendency to catch a cold. Physical symptoms of anxiety include shortness of breath, insomnia, tremors, eye twitches, breaking into cold sweat and even fainting.

Anxiety VS Stress – Treatments

We all experience stress at one point or another during our lives. When handled properly, stress symptoms will not interfere with our daily lives or force us to go out of our way to get rid of that stress. Treating stress is much easier than treating anxiety and there are many treatment options available, including:

• hypnotherapy
• shiatsu massage
• meditation
• yoga
• visualization to leaks
• psychological treatment
• herbal mixtures

Many of these treatments do not require the assistance of a professional therapist and some can be interlaced into daily routine without much hassle.

Anxiety, on the other hand, usually requires professional treatment or the individual will not be able to function properly in certain situations. Behavioral therapy is recommended in certain cases, depending on how much during society is disrupting your daily routine.