Stress and anxiety share many of the same physical and psychology symptoms, making it difficult to spot the differences between them. Getting a proper diagnosis is key to receiving the right management and treatment. With the right help, you can learn how to reduce the impact of stress and manage your anxiety.
What is Stress?
Stress is a natural human response to pressure when faced with challenging and sometimes dangerous situations. While stress is usually referred to as a negative experience, not all stress is bad. Some stress can be helpful, motivating us to get a task finished or encouraging us to perform well. However, if stress is ongoing, the effects can impact negatively on our physical and mental health.
Symptoms of Stress?
Common physical symptoms of stress include: heart palpitations, fatigue, sleep disturbance, insomnia, stomach upset, diarrhea, frequent headaches, muscular aches and pains, weakened immune system, high blood pressure.
Common psychological symptoms or stress include: worry, fear, anger, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, helplessness, difficulties with concentration or memory, or feeling overwhelmed.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is stress that continues after that stressor is gone. Anxiety is not just feeling stressed or worried, it is when these feelings don’t subside and are ongoing without any particular reason or cause. There are a number of factors or triggers that may contribute to anxiety. These include but are not limited to:
- Stressful life events (such as: marriage/relationship breakdown, work or school deadlines, and financial hardship, early life trauma)
- Abuse
- Loss of a loved one
- Pregnancy
- Unhelpful coping strategies
- Thinking style
Symptoms of Anxiety?
Common symptoms of anxiety include: difficulty concentrating, restlessness rapid heartbeat, trembling or shaking, feeling light-headed, faint numbness, uncontrollable worries, panic attacks, worrying about past or future events, nausea, sweating, avoidance or catastrophising.
What Can I do if I Experience Stress or Anxiety?
- Ask for Help
- Exercise Regularly
- Practice Breathing
- Eat Well
- Sleep Well
- Be Aware
Seeking Help:
If you feel that stress or anxiety is impacting on your ability to enjoy life, a psychologist may be able to help. At CQ Psych Services we are committed to providing high quality psychological care. All services provided at CQ Psych Services are done so by a highly qualified and very experienced clinician. We are committed to, and enthusiastic about, providing excellent psychological services. Our aim is to provide the best possible treatment for a range of mental health issues, including stress and anxiety. We work to assist clients in developing management skills within a setting that is both relaxed and supportive.
How to Access a Psychologist at CQ Psych Services:
- Contact us directly by calling 07 49726929 or email admin@cqpsychservices.com.au
- Ask your GP or health professional to refer you to our clinic.
- Visit our website and complete a ‘Contact Us’ form and one of our friendly staff will reply to your enquiry. Website: https://cqpsychservices.com.au/
Author: Suzie Humphrey