Stress and Anxiety: Differences Between the Two
Stress and Anxiety: Differences Between the Two
By: Julia Keys
It is normal to experience a certain degree of stress throughout the day, but when this stress becomes extreme, and with no discernible cause, it can start to become a problem. It is important to distinguish the difference between everyday stress and clinical anxiety.
Although stress can be temporarily uncomfortable, it can motivate humans to get things done. There are two types of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress is beneficial to humans functioning. While it is not pleasurable in the moment, eustress contributes to a beneficial outcome. An example of eustress would be jitters before an exam or a particularly challenging workout. Eustress can enhance one’s performance. Distress, on the other hand, is a negative form of stress that is not usually beneficial to the experiencer. Some examples of distress could be legal problems or conflicts with a spouse. Distress tends to negatively impact performance and can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
People with clinical anxiety such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), experience levels of distress and worrying that are more intense than everyday stress. Whereas stress feels caused by external factors, anxiety tends to be generated internally. Oftentimes, people with anxiety will feel stress and anticipate negative outcomes before the anticipated event even happens.
Here are some key differences between stress and anxiety:
- Stressor
- Normal stress occurs in response to external stressors such as a fight with a friend or a job interview
- People with anxiety oftentimes cannot find the source of their stress and therefore just getting through the day can be immensely stressful
- Intensity
- Stress is fleeting
- Anxiety is ongoing and can last weeks, months, or even years
- Symptoms
- Stress is oftentimes accompanied by worrying, which subsides quickly
- Anxiety can cause troubling symptoms such as dizziness, trembling, headaches and nausea
- Impairment
- Anxiety can be overwhelming and debilitating to the point where one may start to avoid necessary everyday activities that make them anxious
If you are struggling with anxiety, do not hesitate to seek help by contacting Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy, located in New York and New Jersey to speak to licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners or psychotherapists. To contact the office in Paramus NJ, call (201) 368-3700. To contact the office in Manhattan, call (212) 722-1920. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ .
Sources:
http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/439-anxiety-vs-anxiety-disorders
Source for Picture:
CounselingRx 