Stress vs. Anxiety - What’s the Difference?

Stress is defined as anything that disturbs one’s mental and physical wellbeing.  Continuous exposure can lead to anxiety and physical manifestations of stress e.g. palpitations, IBS, muscular pains and aches.

Anxiety on the other hand is defined as a psycho-physiological response to anticipation of unreal or imaginary dangers.

In my stress management sessions, we look at your anxiety and stress levels.  Some people have both in equal parts, others will suffer mostly from one or the other.  Someone who suffers from a fear of flying (anxiety rating high) may not necessarily be stressed in other areas of their lives (they are stressed at the thought of flying) and some one suffering from a heavy stressload at work and home may not necessarily get anxiety at the thought of flying.

Stress can be brought on by poor time management skills, working or being in an unhappy relationship and not having the confidence to make a change, a feeling of not really deserving the position attained at work, inability to say “no”, imbalance between home and life.  All these can be changed.  When suffering from stress it is very hard to sort out what’s what, everything takes on equal proportion of effect on your stress.

You can make the change and lead a better and more fulfilled life.  You deserve that, don’t you?

For appointments call 086 1038892.  Office: Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 2.  Evening appointments available.

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