Mental Health Awareness
IS IT STRESS? “Stress is the general experience of physical, mental, emotional [and] relational factors that cause a person and their nervous system to feel overwhelmed,” With stress, counselors may hear clients say, “I have a lot going on right now,” but with anxiety, they might say, “I have a lot going on right now, and I don’t know how I’m going to handle it.” “Stress can come on somewhat suddenly [or] without warning,” “It’s typically more short term in nature, and ideally … once the stressor is removed, then not too long after that, the stress symptoms can noticeably decrease.”
IS IT ANXIETY? Anxiety differs from stress not only in its internal nature but also in its intensity and duration. The physical symptoms of anxiety can include elevated heart rate, nausea, stomach pains, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, trembling, shaking, and an exaggerated startle reflex. Emotionally, anxiety is characterized by constant worry, rumination, racing thoughts, and feelings of helplessness, fear, and panic. Moreover, behavioral symptoms of anxiety may include insomnia, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, substance use, inability to complete daily functions, and a higher likelihood of avoiding people and activities that cause distress.
While stress and occasional anxiety are normal parts of life, it’s important to note that failing to address them can lead to the development of more serious mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize and manage these symptoms to maintain overall well- being. Burnout, on the other hand, is a condition that develops gradually over time. If left untreated, stress can progress into chronic stress and eventually cross over into burnout. Burnout is characterized by feelings of depletion and having nothing left to give, often resulting from a prolonged spike in stress or anxiety.
Interestingly, the physical signs of burnout are similar to those of stress and anxiety, including fatigue, insomnia, interrupted sleep, changes in appetite and caffeine use, tenseness or heaviness in the body, and an increased frequency of illness. However, emotionally and behaviorally, burnout can manifest as irritability, apathy, numbness, sarcasm, debilitating self-doubt, self-criticism, lack of motivation, procrastination, isolation, self-medication, potential for disordered eating, and a loss of enjoyment for life. To learn more about these important topics and discover strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout, stay tuned for more informative articles on mental health and well-being. By proactively addressing these issues, you can enhance your overall quality of life and build resilience in the face of challenges.
Article provided by Dr. C.Joshi, Clinical Director of The Grassroots Free Community Counseling Clinic
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