Stress vs. Anxiety
It seems that no matter where you go there are conversations about people struggling with anxiety. Statistics indicate that up to 70% of high school students would agree that they significantly struggle with anxiety or depression. For adults, statistics report that 18% of the population struggle with anxiety. So, what has changed? Why is there suddenly an influx of anxiety in our culture and world?
While there is some indication that we do live in a world that demands more of us every day in our work, parenting, finances, decisions and friendships, I believe there are also some other factors that contribute to the prevalence of anxiety.
1. Anxiety is a buzz word
Walk down the hallway of a school. You will likely hear a phrase such as: “oh! I am so anxious about my French test!” Anxiety has become a common word in our language to address a stressed-out feeling. Is that person anxious? Maybe. More likely they are stressed and worried about the test and the grade. Anxiety and stress are different. Let’s look at these two words:
Stress – an overwhelming feeling that you have too much to do, not enough time and are unsure of how to complete it.
Anxiety – the feeling that no matter what you do, your circumstances will not change, accompanied by unease or apprehension. Usually, but not always, triggered by an irrational fear. This is often accompanied by the feeling that something is not right physically and you may experience physical symptoms of a fast heart rate, shallow breathing, sweating and maybe numbness.
These are two very different experiences. Most people at some point in their life will experience stress. A school project, a final exam, a business meeting, a mortgage application or finances can all cause stress. Anxiety is experienced differently. It is both a cognitive disorder and bodily experience. It impacts your world in everyday life. You can be watching a movie and feel anxious, or brush your teeth and feel anxious, your life circumstances may not have any impact on your anxious experience.
2. We know more now
Our world has shifted with increased access to information, which can bring about some great discoveries and can sometimes make life a lot more challenging. One of the positives, is our understanding of human nature and the brain. We can recognize that when a person is experiencing anxiety their bodies release certain chemicals to help them deal with the perceived threat. They are in fight or flight mode. Their body is doing what bodies are supposed to do, it helps us survive as a species. The challenge arises when our bodies are responding this way to a spider, or test, or a loved one not being near.
When I was a young child, I had a great fear of my parents dying. Whenever they left in the evening and there was a babysitter, I believed they were not coming back. I would lay awake in my bed and imagine how I would take care of my younger brother and where we would live. My parents believed I was a sensitive kid with an overactive imagination. Now we know that I had separation anxiety.
With our increase of knowledge, we now understand that I experienced anxiety as a child. I was not shy, or private, or sensitive or imaginative, I was anxious.
Our society has made progress towards becoming more accepting of mental health concerns. Though some of the stigma remains, there are more open conversations around mental health and anxiety. More in depth conversations need to occur. More awareness towards those who struggle daily with anxiety is important. Dismissing anxiety, or diminishing it as just stress, does an injustice to those living with anxiety.
The next time you hear someone using the word anxiety to describe their life, take a moment to check in with them. Begin a conversation, be open to offer support and a listening ear.
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