Stress, Anxiety : What are the differences?

The language contains a multitude of words, adjectives, adverbs in order to describe as closely as possible what lives in us. However, do we have the same understanding of each of these terms? Although similar and widely used in common parlance, are we talking about the same thing?

Definitions

Stress appears as a physiological response to an unfamiliar or unstable situation, in order to keep the body alert and allow it to react according to individual strategies. We will then note a nervousness leading to being under permanent tension.

Anxiety is a state in which one can feel insecure. This feeling is essentially psychic. These are tensions of physical or mental origin that could not be expressed, evacuated or discharged. Their accumulations can generate anxiety.

We will observe in the most important cases

Comparison table

Physical
Sleep disordersHeadachesHeart PalpitationsDigestive disorders Numb Dizziness Excessive sweatingHot flushes or chills Tremors

Psychological
Feeling of worry (fears, discomfort, …) Feeling out of control Emotional lability (irritability, anger, sadness, aggression, etc.) Feeling of guilt

Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating Uncontrollable Thoughts

Anxiety is a sensation and a feeling that arises in the face of an unknown, indeterminate and unconscious danger. It can be understood as an alarm, an archaic reflex coming to tell us of significant discomfort. Symptoms common with those of anxiety will be observed added to somatic and neurovegetative manifestations:– Chest Pressure– Respiratory discomfort– Accelerated heartbeat– Feeling of lump in throat or stomachIn its pathological form, we will discuss neurotic disorder, phobic anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. We will observe significant excitability, anxieties accompanied by somatic or/and neurovegetative manifestations and quick to develop certain phobias.More punctually and intensely, anxiety can appear in the form of anxiety attacks or panic attacks. An acute attack can last between 5 to 20 minutes. His expression is sudden and of great intensity. It is advisable to lie down, let go, not manage to take deep breaths and closing your eyes can help you let go and invite you to relax. How to fix it?Unpleasant emotions become pathogenic when they are contained and concealed.

Becoming aware of what goes through us, getting to know each other and putting in place appropriate strategies are fundamental areas of work to achieve balance. Thus the emotion is recognized and only passes through us. The keys therefore lie in the expression of his anguish. In a quiet and comfortable place, you can be invited to write, draw, dance, talk about the emotions that inhabit you. Psychological support may be necessary in this work. Causes often concealed, a qualified professional can guide you. Do you recognize yourself? Don’t hesitate, ask for help.