Stress vs. Anxiety: Know the Difference and When to Seek Help
Everyone will experience feelings of stress and anxiety at some point in their life. Whether you are anxious about a deadline at work, or you are stressed about a big life decision. However, there are instances when stress and anxiety can become so severe that they inhibit your everyday functions or make it extremely difficult to perform easy tasks. These are both similar issues, but they stem from two different roots. At Orlando Thrive Therapy, we offer counseling in Orlando that helps many people overcome issues related to anxiety disorders and stress in life. It is important to know the difference between stress and anxiety so that you can seek help from a medical professional when necessary.
Symptoms of Stress
Stress is our body's reaction to an external stimulus. This requires something to be happening outside of your body that triggers a response for a short period of time. Because it is a natural response, stress should not be sustained over time and instead is a fleeting reaction that has a clear beginning and end. Symptoms include frequent headaches and illness, low energy from sleeplessness, back or neck pain or pressure, feeling light-headed or dizzy, sweaty palms, and excessive worry. These symptoms should resolve themselves after your stressful situation has ended. If it persists, you may want to consider an alternate diagnosis and seek help.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Unlike stress, anxiety is a sustained reaction that stems from internal, mental manifestations. Anxiety can cause significant functional impairment, inhibiting you from completing even the most basic tasks. On some days, it may even cause you to stay in bed to avoid certain situations. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include excessive worry or concern, restlessness or being on edge often, easily fatigued or sleepless, irritability, lack of focus or concentration to simple tasks, headaches, and dizziness. These are often so severe that it inhibits your ability to function daily. Although anxiety can be triggered by stress, it is constant and can be extremely damaging to your health when left untreated for long. When your anxiety is excessive and persists for many months, it is critical to seek professional help to discuss your symptoms and triggers.
When to Seek Help
When your stress or anxiety affect or stop your ability to function on a daily basis, you need to seek the help of a medical professional or licensed counselor. These professionals are trained experts who will provide you with psychotherapy that can change your lifestyle and allow you to live freely despite your anxiety or stress. When coping with stress, it can be helpful to visit a counselor who can assist and coach you through the situation. If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you may want to engage in regular therapy or take medication that will enable you to function successfully.
Stress and anxiety do not have to cripple your ability to perform life's basic tasks. They do not have to keep you sleeplessly dragging through life or constantly being stuck in your head. At Orlando Thrive Therapy, we can help you to do more than just survive with your stress or anxiety. We can help you thrive. Call us today at 407-592-8997 to hear about our counseling in Orlando.
