Mental and Physical Health

Anxiety, Worry and Stress

 

Whilst these words are often used interchangeably, then have distinct meanings in psychology and therapy.

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Worry

This is the thinking, or cognitive part of anxiety.  Worry comes from the frontal cortex of the brain in the form of thoughts or anticipations about potential future events or outcomes.  It is often accompanied by feelings of unease or apprehension and can sometimes be difficult to control.

 

Anxiety

Anxiety sits between worry and stress - it comes from the emotional and feeling part of our brain (the limbic system).

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It involves feelings of fear, apprehension or nervousness, often accompanied by physical symptoms e.g. increased heart rate, sweating, tension.

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It may be specific e.g. fear of public speaking or more generalised without a clear trigger.

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Stress

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Stress is a physical reaction to anxiety originating from our "reptilian brain" that many of you will recognise is associated with the fight, flight or freeze response.   It is automatic when you feel under threat  (physical or psychological; real or perceived).

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It comes from your lived experiences in life such as work; relationships; financial issues or major life events.

It shows up as emotional; physical or behavioural symptoms and can have short or long term effects on your health and wellbeing.

 

COME BACK SOON FOR MORE INFORMATION, THIS SECTION IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT.

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