Stress and Anxiety

Everyone feels stressed and anxious at times though anxiety can linger on and not have an identifiable trigger. Conversely, stress is typically short term and in response to a recognized threat. All the same, stress and anxiety are both a part of the body’s natural fight, flight, and freeze response, and how we respond to these physical and emotional states will greatly determine their frequency and intensity.

Social pressure, relationship issues, novel and group situations, or taking an exam can greatly contribute to such feelings of unease. And while these situations are indeed uncomfortable, they may be more severe for those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. People who suffer from anxiety disorders have persistent feelings of fear or distress out of proportion to real events. Their brains interpret real or imagined events to be much more risky or dangerous than they really are. Consequently, the quality of their lives can become severely limited leading to significant impairments in a person’s daily functioning and overall well-being, which, if left unchecked, can have a negative impact on health, performance, and confidence in a variety of settings including but not limited to academics, relationships, work, and even spirituality.

What is more, people can sometimes mistake these feelings for mental weakness or instability and the social stigma that can be attached to mental illness further prevents those who struggle from asking for help. The good news is that stress and anxiety disorders CAN be successfully treated and constructively managed once they are recognized. You are not alone, and help is available to you. Below you will find some supportive websites and free applications to peruse to help get you started.