Could Your Stress Be Something Far Greater?

Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes such as increased blood pressure. Stress on the other hand, has these same characteristics aside from the fact that it is in a reaction to a particular circumstance or situation. Stress is a much more temporary state.

Anxiety can be categorized into different disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder which includes constant and out of proportion worry about activities or events, separation anxiety or social anxiety disorder which is the avoidance of social situations due to fear.

Anxiety is a prolonged condition that can impact your life if left untreated. It can be easily confused with stress, especially in college because it seems like stressful situations are always popping up. Symptoms of anxiety include:  

1. Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
2. Trouble sleeping and/or concentrating
3. Having difficulty controlling worry
4. Experiencing frequent digestive problems

These symptoms can be self-managed with regular physical activity, not drinking caffeinated beverages, eating healthy and making sleep a priority. If these treatments do not work, contacting the UNH Counseling Center has ways to help you manage anxiety.   

It has been proven that anxiety treatment can also be the key to improving a person’s resilience to stress. So, understand your own stress better, and know what will work for you!