Anxiety and stress are not synonymous. However, they can interact or exacerbate one another. Anxiety disorders and stress are two of the most common conditions that affect mental health. How do anxiety and stress intersect? What can you do to protect and care for yourself?

The Intersection of Stress and Anxiety

Stress can have both long- and short term effects that are detrimental to the mind and body. Stress can cause headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It may also lead to GI distress and sleep problems. Long-term stress can have a number of negative effects on the mind and body. Stress can also worsen symptoms for people who have anxiety disorders. Stress is not always bad. It is normal to experience stress. However, if stress becomes a problem, it is important to address it. It’s possible for you to manage your stress.

Tips For Stress Management

Here are some tips to help you manage stress:

* Make a balance between work and life a priority. Many people struggle with chronic stress at work. A good balance between your personal and professional life can help. It is important to take a look at the schedule you have and find time for de-stressing and disengaging from work.

* Check your sleep schedule. Sleep is essential for both our physical and psychological well-being. Implement sleep hygiene practices to help you get enough sleep if you’re not sleeping enough, or have trouble winding down at night. Contact your doctor if you are doing all you can to get quality sleep. For example, limiting caffeine or avoiding blue lights before bed.

* Choose an activity that will help you relieve stress. Exercise is a great way to manage stress. Taking the time for a physical activity that will make your body and mind happy is beneficial for many. Consider setting aside some time to meditate, journal, create art or do other things you enjoy. Those who find it hard to relax or do things for pure enjoyment will often benefit from learning how to slow down.

* Socialize. Take the time to make positive and uplifting connections. You could reach out to your friends and family, join a group or class where you can make connections, or do both. Social connections are known to reduce stress and protect mental and physical health.

* Identify triggers. It’s important to identify what is causing you stress and learn how to manage it. Self-talk and mindfullness are two excellent tools to navigate stress triggers. Talk to a mental healthcare professional if you need help navigating a stress trigger in your life.

While they may coexist, stress and anxiety are two different things. It’s difficult to live with anxiety disorders, but they are highly treatable. You’re not the only one who has an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders affect people of all ages. You should seek help if you are experiencing anxiety symptoms such as excessive worrying, panic attacks or trouble sleeping.

What Therapy Can Do for You

Anyone who is looking to improve their mental well-being will benefit from therapy. Many people attend therapy, including for a variety of reasons. These include but are not limited to managing stress, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, familial problems, grief and loss, etc. CBT is a form of therapy which has been well researched and is proven to be effective for those who are dealing with anxiety disorders or stress. A licensed therapist will help you navigate stressors and anxiety symptoms, as well as difficult life situations. It’s a great place to vent and talk about whatever is on your mind. Having a non-judgmental listener to share with in a confidential setting like therapy can be a life-changing experience. You can find a licensed therapist by asking your doctor, contacting your insurance company, searching online, using an online directory or conducting a web-search. You deserve to receive the help you need, whether you are online or local. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.