Stress and anxiety are physical reactions that can have detrimental effects on your wellbeing. Left unmanaged, they may lead to serious medical conditions like depression, heart disease, or gastrointestinal problems.
Stress is a natural response to stressful or demanding circumstances, such as taking an exam or juggling work and family. This sets off your body’s fight or flight response, sending floods of chemicals into your system in preparation for danger. In the short term, this increases pulse and breathing rate so more oxygen can get to your brain.
Anxiety is an intense response to a stressful event or situation, often with no known cause. While it can be difficult to distinguish between them, both can have detrimental effects.
Anxiety often manifests as a persistent feeling of worry or stress, which can disrupt sleep, relationships and daily life. If these signs are severe for you, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for further assistance.
Some people live with stress and anxiety for an extended period without seeking help, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, consider talking to a counselor or therapist for support.
Maintaining stress control is essential for overall wellbeing, and there are plenty of ways to do so. Start a regular exercise regimen, eat nutritious foods, get enough rest each night, and surround yourself with supportive friends and family members.
Deep breathing or other relaxation methods can be extremely helpful for managing stress and anxiety. These simple yet powerful practices can be done anytime, anywhere, and will leave you feeling more serene and grounded.
You have access to a wealth of resources for relaxation, such as online courses and smartphone apps. A therapist can also assist in developing new coping strategies so that stress and anxiety are managed more effectively.
Anxiety may cause other symptoms, such as stomachaches, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite. While these aren’t necessarily signs of an illness, they can be uncomfortable and make it harder to eat or drink normally.
Chronic stress can contribute to health conditions like asthma, heart disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Anxiety may exacerbate these illnesses so it’s essential that you address anxiety in addition to other worries.
Some healthcare professionals advise that you receive a physical examination and medical checkup to identify the source of any symptoms you’re experiencing. You can do this by making an appointment with your primary care doctor or other qualified health provider.
Your doctor may order a blood test or other tests to rule out any physical conditions causing your anxiety symptoms. They’ll also ask you about them, how they affect your life, and what steps you take to manage them effectively.
Your doctor can tell if you have an anxiety disorder based on the results of these medical exams, but they do not diagnose it. In most cases, doctors will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association to make their diagnosis.
