Module 5: Stress & Anxiety
Module 5:
Stress and Anxiety
Part 1
Stress and anxiety are things that everyone experiences at some point in life. They are normal responses to situations that feel challenging, threatening or overwhelming. Although they are often used interchangeably, stress and anxiety are not exactly the same. Stress usually develops in response to an external situation, whereas anxiety can continue even when there is no immediate threat.
This module explores what stress and anxiety are, how they affect the mind and body, why they develop, and what factors can make some people more vulnerable than others.
💭 What Are Stress and Anxiety?
Feeling anxious from time to time is completely normal. Whether it's sitting an exam, starting a new job, speaking in front of others or facing a difficult life event, anxiety is the body's way of preparing us to deal with potential danger.
Stress can come from everyday situations as well as major life events. Some common causes include:
- Financial difficulties
- Relationship problems
- Managing family responsibilities
- Moving house
- Bereavement
- Pressure at work or school
Although small amounts of stress can sometimes motivate us, ongoing stress can begin to affect both our physical and mental wellbeing.
⚡ How We Respond to Stress
When we feel stressed or anxious, our body activates the sympathetic nervous system, often known as the "fight or flight" response.
Stress affects us in four main ways:
❤️ Emotional Responses
Stress can cause emotions such as:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Anger
- Frustration
- Grief
- Guilt
- Jealousy
🧠 Cognitive Responses
Stress also changes how we think, leading to:
- Worrying thoughts
- Self blame
- Difficulty coping
- Negative thinking
- Irrational thoughts
🫀 Physiological Responses
The body reacts physically through:
- Increased heart rate
- Hormonal changes
- Activation of the autonomic nervous system
🚶 Behavioural Responses
People often respond by:
- Avoiding situations
- Becoming restless
- Seeking help
- Releasing emotions
- Trying to solve the problem
🚨 Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Psychologists use the term symptomatology to describe the symptoms people experience during anxiety.
These may include:
- Trembling or shaking
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating
- Feeling sick
- Poor sleep
- Negative thinking
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Avoiding situations
Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
🧬 Module 5, Part 2: Causes of Anxiety
There is rarely one single cause of anxiety. Instead, psychologists use the biopsychosocial model, which explains that biological, psychological and social factors all work together to influence mental health.
🧬 Biological Factors
Some biological influences include:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Medical conditions
- Chemical imbalances
- Drugs and alcohol
These factors may increase a person's vulnerability to developing anxiety.
🧠 Psychological Factors
Our thoughts and personality also play an important role.
Examples include:
- Personality traits
- Negative thinking patterns
- Low self esteem
- Perfectionism
- Childhood experiences
- Parenting influences
How we interpret situations can often determine how anxious we become.
🌍 Social Factors
Our environment and life experiences can also contribute.
These include:
- Childhood abuse
- Bereavement
- Divorce
- Financial difficulties
- Relationship conflict
- Other major life experiences
These factors often combine rather than acting alone.
📉 The Effects of Stress
Short periods of stress are usually manageable and can even help motivate us. However, severe or long lasting stress can have significant effects on both psychological and physical health.
🧠 Psychological Effects
Long term stress may lead to:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Emotional exhaustion
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep problems
Stress can make everyday thinking and decision making much harder.
❤️ Physical Effects
Stress doesn't just affect the mind. It can also affect the body.
Possible physical effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Ulcers
- Cardiovascular disease
- Asthma
- Skin conditions such as eczema
- Migraines and tension headaches
- A weakened immune system
This demonstrates the close connection between psychological wellbeing and physical health.
🌱 Factors That Help Protect Against Stress
Not everyone responds to stress in the same way. Certain protective factors can make people more resilient.
These include:
👶 Secure Attachment
Having safe and supportive relationships during childhood helps people develop healthier coping strategies later in life.
🤝 Social Support
Friends, family and supportive communities can reduce the effects of stress by providing emotional and practical help.
🌞 Positive Attitude
People who maintain hope and optimism often cope better with stressful situations and are more likely to seek support when needed.
📝 Module 5 Revision
Key Points to Remember
✅ Stress is the body's response to challenges or demands.
✅ Anxiety is a normal emotional response that can become problematic when excessive or persistent.
✅ Stress affects emotions, thoughts, physical health and behaviour.
✅ Anxiety symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, worrying and avoidance.
✅ The biopsychosocial model explains anxiety through biological, psychological and social influences.
✅ Long term stress can affect both mental and physical health.
✅ Positive relationships, social support and optimism help improve resilience to stress.
Comments
Post a Comment