You tell yourself it’s just stress. You push through, hold it together, and keep functioning. But deep down, something feels off.
Your heart races over things that never used to bother you. Sleep doesn’t come easily. You’re snapping at people you care about or withdrawing altogether. And no matter how much you try to push through, it won’t go away. Sound familiar?
Stress is a normal part of life. But when it persists and starts to interfere with daily life, it may be an indication of something more serious: anxiety.
Understanding Stress vs. Anxiety
Stress is a natural response to external pressures. It’s typically short-term and subsides once the situation is resolved.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread, often without a clear cause. It can linger, affecting one’s ability to function normally.
So, how can you tell if what you’re feeling is stress or something more? Here are five signs that it might be time to seek professional help.
1. Your Body Feels Constantly on Edge
If you notice that your heart races, your muscles are tense, or you experience frequent headaches or stomach issues, your body might be signaling chronic anxiety.
Unlike stress, which subsides after the triggering event, anxiety keeps your body in a prolonged state of alertness, leading to exhaustion and other health issues.
2. Overwhelming Worry
It’s normal to worry occasionally, but if you find yourself constantly overthinking, fearing the worst, or unable to concentrate due to intrusive thoughts, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. This excessive worry can disrupt sleep, work, and relationships, making it hard to enjoy daily life.
3. Avoidance of Everyday Situations
Are you steering clear of situations that once felt routine—like attending social gatherings, going to work, or even running errands?
Avoidance is a common coping mechanism for people struggling with anxiety. But it often exacerbates the problem, leading to increased isolation and distress.
4. Panic Attacks or Flashbacks
Sudden episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks, or reliving traumatic events through flashbacks are serious indicators of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These experiences can be debilitating and warrant professional intervention.
5. Interference with Daily Life
When anxiety begins to interfere with work, relationships, or daily routines, it’s a clear sign that you need professional help. Symptoms like irritability, indecisiveness, and constant fatigue can strain personal and professional life.
Therapeutic Approaches That Can Help
Recognizing the need for help is a courageous first step. Therapy offers tools and strategies to manage anxiety effectively. Two evidence-based approaches are particularly effective:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through structured sessions, individuals learn coping strategies to manage anxiety and reduce its impact on daily life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is particularly effective for trauma-related anxiety. It involves guided eye movements to help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge.
Research suggests EMDR can be more effective than CBT in reducing post-traumatic symptoms and anxiety.
Taking the Next Step
Recognizing that your anxiety is more than just stress is a courageous first step. Seeking therapy can provide the support and tools needed to navigate these challenges. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.
Call 303-775-8474 to schedule an appointment.