Anxiety and stress often go hand in hand. Though it's normal to experience some stress occasionally, severely stressful situations may lead to or exacerbate anxiety. If stress is at the root of the anxiety disorder, dealing with the source of the stress will help alleviate anxiety symptoms as well.
Causes
According to Medline Plus, ongoing, severe stress may trigger an anxiety disorder. Poor handling of stressful situations or an extreme reaction to a particularly stressful experience may lead to symptoms of anxiety, which include: obsessive thoughts, inability to concentrate, insomnia or nightmares and fatigue or extreme exhaustion.
Certain drugs, like cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and caffeine, may exacerbate stress to the point that symptoms of anxiety develop.
A diet lacking in vitamin B12, and, in rare instances, a tumor in the adrenal gland also may cause anxiety and stress.
Physical Symptoms
In the most extreme cases, anxiety due to stress may manifest in physical symptoms, such as: muscle tension, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tension in the chest and throat, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, headache, cramps, nausea, indigestion, backaches and a general sense of ill-health.
Lifestyle Changes
If you have symptoms of anxiety caused by stress, some lifestyle changes can help you address the problem. Medline Plus suggests getting regular sleep of at least 8 to 9 hours a night, eating healthy, balanced meals, exercising on a regular basis and practicing relaxation and breathing techniques as ways of coping. The anxiety is best treated when you understand what is causing so much stress in your life and address it.
Medline Plus also suggests avoiding use of nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and other drugs.
Professional Help
If your anxiety due to stress becomes unmanageable, it may be time to see a medical professional. Treatments for severe anxiety usually consist of talk therapy and drug therapy. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America lists several different types of therapy for anxiety due to stress, including: cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thinking patterns that aggravate stress and anxiety. Exposure therapy is similar to desensitization therapy in that it involves gradually exposing the sufferer to the source of stress until he becomes less sensitive to it.
Warning
If your anxiety becomes particularly worrisome or if you develop suicidal thoughts, call 911 or visit a local hospital's emergency room right away.
