Anxiety Vs Stress

Anxiety Vs Stress

What's the difference?

At a Glance

• Stress and anxiety are not the same thing.

• Both are common in kids who struggle in school.

• Understanding the difference can help you find the best ways to help yourself

Multiple Choice

Are stress and anxiety are the same thing?

• Yes

• No

Stress

• Stress is a natural response to a challenge. Changes in brain chemistry make our heart pump faster and our palms sweat as we get ready to act. Stress can:

Stress can

• Make us feel nervous, angry, and frustrated.

• Have a positive effect. For example, it can “pump up” a child to study for a test.

• Be overwhelming. Feeling stress every day for a long time can take a toll on your body and mind.

Anxiety

• Anxiety is different. It’s a reaction to stress.

• It’s the feeling kids get when they don’t think they can handle the thing (or challenge) that’s putting pressure on them.

• That lack of control makes kids feel worried and afraid.

Multiple Choice

Anxiety is

• Feelings of anger

• Feeling scared

• The same as stress

• A reaction to stress

Here are some common aspects of anxiety:

• An anxious feeling is often out of proportion to the real or imagined “threat” (for example, a child crying in terror because she’s afraid to enter a birthday party).

• Anxious children may expect that something bad will happen and not believe they’ll be able to handle it. (That dog’s going to bite me and I’m going to die!)

• “What if?” is a common phrase anxious kids say and think.

  
  

  
  

Anxiety can come from...

The bad feelings associated with anxiety can come from something specific, like algebra.

Or anxiety can be a more general sense of uneasiness that affects much of everyday life.

Multiple Choice

Anxiety can even come from certain situations like, finding some school work difficult

• yes

• no

Signs of anxiety

• Anxiety can affect us physically, emotionally and also affect our behaviour

Physical signs

• Headaches and stomach aches for no apparent reason

• Not wanting to eat in public places and/or changing eating habits

• Not wanting to use toilets away from home

• Shaking or sweating in intimidating situations

• Constantly tensing muscles

• Trouble falling asleep

Emotional signs

• Crying easily and frequently

• Becoming angry or moody for no apparent reason

• Doubting own skill even when there is no reason to

• Cannot handle any criticism, even if it is constructive.

• Worries about things that may be far off in the future

• Obsessive thoughts about bad things happening

Behavioral signs

• Avoids participating in class activities

• Staying silent or preoccupied when working with others

• Avoiding social situations with peers

• Refusing to go to school or do school work

• Becoming emotional or angry when separated from loved ones

• Explosive outbursts

• Always seeking approval from others (teachers, parents, friends)

Behavioral signs

• Avoids participating in class activities

• Staying silent or preoccupied when working with others

• Avoiding social situations with peers and refusing to speak to people they don't know (e.g waiter, someone serving at a shop)

• Refusing to go to school or do school work

• Becoming emotional or angry when separated from loved ones

• Explosive outbursts

• Always seeking approval from others (teachers, parents, friends)

Multiple Select

Select all that are correct. Anxiety can be

• Physical

• Spiritual

• Behavioral

• Emotional

• Academic

Multiple Select

Select the correct options.

Some physical signs of anxiety can be

• Falling asleep easily

• Refusing to do certain things in public

• Speaking very loudly

• Shaking or sweating

Multiple Select

Select the correct options

Some emotional signs of anxiety can be

• Crying

• Doubting the ability of others

• Thinking about sad/bad things

• Worrying about things way in the future

• Being happy to hear constructive criticism

Multiple Select

Select the correct options.

Behavioral signs of anxiety can be

• Avoiding interaction in social gatherings

• Pleased to be separated from family

• Constantly seeking approval from others

• Refusing to speak to people they don't know (e.g waiter, someone serving at a shop)

What can I do to help someone with anxiety

• Take it seriously. If someone talks to you about it, don't brush it off or tell them it's nothing.

• Reassure them of their strengths, remind them of past success

• Help them come up with ways that could help them to cope

• Talk about positive things that happened in the past e.g. remind them of a time they were out and everyone had a good time

How can I help myself?

• Avoid caffeine! It is an anxiety inducer. Especially if you are about to enter a scenario that makes you anxious, don't drink coffee, caffeinated tea or soft drinks

• A study by Harvard health found that writing your emotions and how it makes you feel can help. Especially if you are about to do something like a test/exam.

• Find time to be alone and do any activity that helps you feel better/calmer. E.g go for a walk, read a book, play a game

• Distract yourself. Fidget with something, doodle on paper or anything else that could take your mind off a situation. This should interrupt your chain of negative thoughts!

• Have a soothing drink like chamomile tea

Be aware and be sensitive

Your understanding and support could go a long way in helping someone overcome anxiety.

Someone may have difficulty expressing it but, being there for them will be greatly appreciated :)