We all experience stress at times. After all, everyone faces challenges in life, and stress is a natural response that helps us face those challenges head-on.
Stress can come from pressure to meet deadlines, family responsibilities, or the expectations of others (or ourselves). In the right dose, it can help us focus and perform at our best.
But when stress becomes chronic, it can start to take a toll on our mental and physical health. This is what we think of as anxiety.
Unlike stress, anxiety can be persistent. When this happens, the positive effects wear off. Instead of feeling motivated to meet a challenge, we often feel like giving up.
Symptoms of stress and anxiety
- An overload of stress or anxiety can cause a lot of different symptoms:
- Intense worry
- Uneasiness
- Tension
- Headaches or stomach upset
- High blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping
- Repeated panic attacks
Knowing when to seek help.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with these symptoms, here are some questions to ask:
- Do the symptoms keep me from living my normal life?
- Does the stress or anxiety seem much bigger or last longer than the initial trigger?
- If there are physical symptoms, do they last a while? Or do they go away once things settle down?
- Do I worry about concerns as they come up? Or is worry a constant state?
- Are stress and anxiety causing problems in my relationships?
Anxiety all around us
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Yet, treatment can help people manage their symptoms and live healthy lives.
Freespira is an FDA-cleared treatment that can reduce or stop panic attacks and PTSD symptoms.
If you or a loved one is ready to explore treatment for symptoms like these, Freespira can help. Your insurance may also cover it. Schedule a quick call with one of our representatives to find out.