Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. Feeling stress is a natural response to events that require action. Anxiety may have no identifiable cause. Stress can lead to anxiety. Both stress and anxiety can have the same symptoms, some of which are physical.
Stress
The American Institute of Stress (AIS) explains that there is no agreed upon definition of stress because what is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another person. A stressor is an event, situation or thought that causes a person to feel stress. Stress is a response to a stressor. The stress response is the body's natural way of coping with change and may be identified as anger, frustration or anxiety. According to the AIS, a certain amount of stress can be a motivator to take action. This positive stress is known as eustress. But too much stress can be harmful or lead to a decrease in activity.
Anxiety
Anxiety may be caused by a stressor or stressful event or can be experienced for no known reason. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) describes anxiety as feelings of apprehension or fear. Anxiety may not lead to a positive change in behavior as a small amount of stress can. When anxiety interferes with daily life, it is called an anxiety disorder. General anxiety disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the disorders associated with anxiety.
Symptoms
Stress and anxiety can have the same symptoms. These symptoms can be behavioral, emotional, psychological, physical or any combination of these symptoms. Behavioral symptoms may be an increase in activity or drive to accomplish tasks, increase in smoking or drinking or an increase or decrease in eating. Emotional symptoms include irritability, anger and frustration. Difficulty concentrating and worry are psychological signs of both anxiety and stress. Physical symptoms of both stress and anxiety include dizziness, headache and other physical pain, nausea, increased heart rate and sweating.
Sweating
Sweating can be a sign of either anxiety or stress. Sweating can occur anywhere on the body, including the forehead. Stress and anxiety can trigger the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to fight, flee or freeze. Sweating is needed to cool the body if physical activity is needed and occurs when the sympathetic nervous system has been activated.
Treatment
Determine the source of your stress and if possible take steps to address the stressor. The UMMC recommends talking to someone: a friend, family member, support group or mental health professional. Maintain your health by eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and exercising. Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, meditation, massage or tai chi. Call your doctor or medical professional if you experience prolonged or intense physical symptoms or are unable to function normally at work, home or socially.
