Understanding the difference between stress and anxiety
Stress is a normal response to daily pressures, such as deadlines or feeling under time constraints, and usually eases once the situation has passed. Anxiety, however, is different. In this video, Dr Andrea Pickering explains that anxiety activates the brain’s survival system, leading to muscle tension, a racing heart, and shallow breathing. Unlike stress, anxiety often involves fear, persistent worry about the future, or rumination on past mistakes, and can trigger fight, flight, or freeze responses.
Dr Pickering also shares practical strategies for managing anxiety, including progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and keeping a worry diary to identify and problem-solve concerns. She emphasises that if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, impact daily life, or reduce enjoyment, it may be time to seek professional support. Recognising the signs early and using effective coping techniques can help prevent anxiety from becoming overwhelming.
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Clinically reviewed
- Dr Andera Pickering