We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Connection between Stress and Anxiety Disorders?

By Bethany Keene
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,547
Share

There are numerous connections between stress and anxiety disorders. In many cases, one begets the other, or can certainly worsen the other. Some people find that experiencing a very stressful, traumatic event, or even prolonged stress over a period of time, can contribute to anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or panic disorder, among others. On the other hand, people who experience anxiety disorders often find that they experience more stress in their lives as a result of it. Due to this, it can be difficult to separate stress and anxiety disorders, and determine which is causing the other.

One of the ways in which stress and anxiety disorders are connected, as mentioned above, is that persistent or acute stress can cause anxiety, which can progress to an actual disorder. A traumatic event often leads to an anxiety disorder; however, a specific event is not always necessary. People who experience stress consistently in their lives, whether it comes from work, home, or interpersonal relationships, among other sources, will often experience anxiety with that stress. Over time, the frequent feelings of anxiety can certainly progress to an actual anxiety disorder that may require treatment by a mental health professional.

When considering stress and anxiety disorders, however, it is important to keep in mind that the opposite may also be true. Someone who already has an anxiety disorder will often find that it leads to increased stress in every day life. The disorder may make it less likely that the individual can handle stressful situations without becoming more upset or anxious. Stress and anxiety disorders are, unfortunately, inextricably linked. Often, a therapist will be able to provide stress management techniques along with any other treatment for anxiety disorders.

Treatment for stress and anxiety disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder, and any potential triggers or causes that could make it worse. Some people find they need anti-anxiety medication, while others may simply need talk therapy in order to process and move past traumatic events. A therapist may be able to provide strategies for minimizing the stress that causes flare ups of the anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks. Some people find that getting some exercise, or practicing meditation or other relaxation techniques, can also help them to reduce the frequency of their stress and anxiety. Lifestyle changes may be necessary to truly deal with the source of the stress.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-stress-and-anxiety-disorders.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.