HomeBlogPatientThe link between stress and anxiety The link between stress and anxiety February 18, 2022Patient Deadlines. Tests. Long lines at the grocery store. There’s no doubt that life is full of everyday stresses. In small doses, stress is vital to our wellbeing and can serve a useful purpose. In the presence of danger, stress signals the body to react. “A stressful incident can make the heart pound and breathing quicken. Muscles tense and beads of sweat appear,” according to the Harvard Health Publishing website. “This combination of reactions to stress is also known as the ‘fight-or-flight’ response because it evolved as a survival mechanism, enabling people and other mammals to react quickly to life-threatening situations. The carefully orchestrated yet near-instantaneous sequence of hormonal changes and physiological responses helps someone to fight the threat off or flee to safety.” However, when stress becomes chronic, the mechanisms intended to protect the body may become a danger to it. The impact of long-term stress “In contemporary society, individuals are stressed for long periods of time,” Carolyn Mazure, PhD, a psychologist and director of Women’s Health Research told the Yale Medicine newsletter. “In this situation, stress no longer serves its initial biological function of alerting us; its function becomes corrupted when it is chronic or prolonged and you cannot turn it off.” Constant exposure to stress may cause a snowballing array of physical and emotional problems. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Stress affects all systems of the body including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems.” According to an article in WebMD, chronic stress can lead to: “Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke Obesity and other eating disorders Menstrual problems Sexual dysfunction, such as impotence and premature ejaculation in men and loss of sexual desire in both men and women Skin and hair problems, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and permanent hair loss Gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable colon” Beyond physical symptoms, chronic stress can impact our mental health. According to the WebMD article, “Ongoing, chronic stress … can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.” The link between stress and anxiety Stress and anxiety are intrinsically linked. “Anxiety shares the same physical and biological elements as stress,” according to an article on Yale Medicine’s website. Further, anxiety and stress typically may have similar symptoms according to the APA: “insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability.” Yet, there are differences between stress and anxiety. “Stress is typically caused by an external trigger. The trigger can be short-term, such as a work deadline or a fight with a loved one or long-term, such as being unable to work, discrimination, or chronic illness,” according the APA. “Anxiety, on the other hand, is defined by persistent, excessive worries that don’t go away even in the absence of a stressor.” In other words, if your situation improves and the cause of stress is no longer present, but you are still experiencing symptoms, you may want to talk with your healthcare provider. Can I get rid of stress? Because stress is a fact of life, it’s hard to eliminate, but you can take steps to help you manage it in a healthy and productive way. First, it’s important to identify the situations, problems or individuals that cause you stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may want to consider making a list or keeping a journal to help you identify the things that cause you stress. Once you’ve identified the stressors in your life, you’ll need to find techniques for coping with them. Physical activity is a potential way to reduce stress, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). In addition to stress reduction, regular exercise has been shown to have multiple mental health benefits. “Many people benefit from practices such as deep breathing, tai chi, yoga, meditation or being in nature. Set aside time for yourself,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “Get a massage, soak in a bubble bath, dance, listen to music, watch a comedy — whatever helps you relax.” Long term, the Mayo Clinic suggests a healthy lifestyle. In addition to a regular exercise regime, eating a healthy diet and getting a good night’s sleep regularly can help you manage stress. Cultivating a more positive attitude toward the challenges you face can help too. When faced with a stressful situation, experts suggest reframing the problem to focus on a more positive perspective. For example, rather than fuming over a traffic jam, allow yourself to pause and enjoy a moment of stillness or the music on the radio. “Stress won’t disappear from your life. And stress management needs to be ongoing,” according to Mayo Clinic. “But by paying attention to what causes your stress and practicing ways to relax, you can counter some of the bad effects of stress and increase your ability to cope with challenges.” When to talk to a professional about anxiety If your stress won’t go away when the source of stress has gone, it may be time to talk with a healthcare professional. Likewise, if your symptoms make it impossible to get through your day, is making you unproductive or if you just feel overwhelmed or miserable, contact your healthcare provider. There are many effective treatments for anxiety. The APA suggests that the two most common treatments are talk therapy and/or medication. Some people will use both therapies at the same time to manage their anxiety symptoms. “One of the most widely used therapeutic approaches is cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns related to the anxiety,” according to the APA. “Another potential treatment is exposure therapy, which involves confronting anxiety triggers in a safe, controlled way in order to break the cycle of fear around the trigger.” Types of medications that can be used to help patients manage their anxiety symptoms can include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants and/or beta-blockers, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For patients who have tried multiple medications and dosages without success, they may be a good candidate for the GeneSight test. The GeneSight Psychotropic test analyzes how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. The results of the GeneSight test are intended to supplement other clinical factors considered by a clinician during a comprehensive medical assessment. Stress and anxiety can have a detrimental impact on your health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Identifying your stressors, developing coping strategies and talking to your healthcare provider when needed can help you develop resilience and regain your quality of life. For more information on anxiety-related topics, please read these blog posts: https://genesight.com/blog/patient/covid-anxiety-survey-finds-some-wont-seek-treatment/ https://genesight.com/blog/patient/5-anxiety-management-tips-for-new-moms-during-the-pandemic/ Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors. If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful. Patient Hints To Help You Have A Better New Year The holidays have ended, and a new year has begun—a time when many embrace a fresh start by setting New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not consider s... Read more Patient Movement as Medicine: Solutions for Anxiety Moving forward. It sounds like a nice idea, especially when you’re feeling stuck deep in the throes of an anxiety spiral. But it turns out that physically m... Read more Patient Weight-Loss Drugs and Mental Health: What You Need to Know New medications for weight loss seem to be flying off pharmacy shelves these days. But could they be linked to mental health conditions? Researchers are ... Read more Patient 3 million patients (and counting!) have now taken the GeneSight test! We’re thrilled to share that 3 million patients (and counting!) have now taken the GeneSight test! We're so grateful to the dedicated healthcare providers who... Read more Patient The Model Minority Myth and Mental Health The model minority myth stereotypes one cultural group, typically Asian Americans, as “intelligent, hard-working, and diligent and therefore more academically, ... Read more Healthcare Provider How Clinicians Can Help Support Their Patients Who Are Being Bullied How Clinicians Can Help Support Their Patients Who Are Being Bullied Acts of bullying can cause feelings of fear, loneliness and sadness, as well as depressi... Read more Patient Cyberbullying: Unique Challenges and Impacts ‘We lost our daughter to cyberbullying.’ McKenna Brown was an accomplished hockey player and scholar, known for her kindness, when she became the target of int... Read more Going Beyond Green, Yellow, Red on the GeneSight Report This blog summarizes key points discussed during the March 2024 GeneSight® Engage webinar Participants: Bernie Ranchero, MD, MS, MBA, medical direc... Read more Healthcare Provider Top 5 Reasons Patients Stop Their Mood Disorder Treatment Mood disorder treatment for depression can be challenging – and patients may become frustrated when treatments don’t work. In fact, when people with depres... Read more Patient The Impact of Gratitude on Depression and Anxiety “Say ‘Thank you,” a mother reminds her young kiddo. “T.G.I.F.!” we cheer at the end of a long week. We know it’s important to be thankful. But do we ... Read more Patient The Silent Thief: The 5 Things Depression Can Steal “Depression is a thief,” writes Abhinav Chaurasia, a marketing automation specialist in an essay on LinkedIn. “It steals your joy, your motivation, and your abi... Read more Patient How to Talk to Your Doctor about Anxiety Medication “When I was 27, I felt bad all the time,” writes Joanna Goddard on the popular Cup of Jo blog. She describes her initial experience with anxiety in detail. ... Read more Healthcare Provider Building Trust by Reducing Bias: The GeneSight Test as a Tool for Mental Health Equity This blog summarizes key points discussed during Myriad Mental Health’s July 2022 Webinar: Building Trust by Reducing Bias: The GeneSight Test as a Tool for Men... Read more Patient Anxiety and older adults: What to look for and how to help “It’s not how old you are. It’s how you are, old.” - French author Jules Renard Mental health is important at every age. But when people experience an a... Read more Patient Adult ADHD: Symptoms, treatment, where to start Many people may incorrectly think ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, only impacts children. After all, according to the Centers for Disease C... Read more Healthcare Provider It’s time to talk suicide: addressing stigma around a difficult topic Trigger Warning: This webinar discusses suicide. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. ... Read more Patient Stress Relief Methods for Family Caregivers Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. However, the day in and day out of taking care of someone who is unwell also can be challen... Read more Healthcare Provider Healthcare Professional Burnout and Links to Depression When Dr. Lorna Breen, an ER doc in Manhattan, died by suicide in April 2020, it opened up a public discussion about the burdens faced by healthcare professi... Read more Healthcare Provider Antidepressant Withdrawal or Depression Reoccurrence? What Healthcare Providers Should Know People who stop taking antidepressants may do so for many reasons: they may feel like it isn’t working, may feel unable to cope with side effects, or may not fe... Read more Learn more Learn more about GeneSight How to talk to your provider View our clinical studies
Patient Hints To Help You Have A Better New Year The holidays have ended, and a new year has begun—a time when many embrace a fresh start by setting New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not consider s... Read more
Patient Movement as Medicine: Solutions for Anxiety Moving forward. It sounds like a nice idea, especially when you’re feeling stuck deep in the throes of an anxiety spiral. But it turns out that physically m... Read more
Patient Weight-Loss Drugs and Mental Health: What You Need to Know New medications for weight loss seem to be flying off pharmacy shelves these days. But could they be linked to mental health conditions? Researchers are ... Read more
Patient 3 million patients (and counting!) have now taken the GeneSight test! We’re thrilled to share that 3 million patients (and counting!) have now taken the GeneSight test! We're so grateful to the dedicated healthcare providers who... Read more
Patient The Model Minority Myth and Mental Health The model minority myth stereotypes one cultural group, typically Asian Americans, as “intelligent, hard-working, and diligent and therefore more academically, ... Read more
Healthcare Provider How Clinicians Can Help Support Their Patients Who Are Being Bullied How Clinicians Can Help Support Their Patients Who Are Being Bullied Acts of bullying can cause feelings of fear, loneliness and sadness, as well as depressi... Read more
Patient Cyberbullying: Unique Challenges and Impacts ‘We lost our daughter to cyberbullying.’ McKenna Brown was an accomplished hockey player and scholar, known for her kindness, when she became the target of int... Read more
Going Beyond Green, Yellow, Red on the GeneSight Report This blog summarizes key points discussed during the March 2024 GeneSight® Engage webinar Participants: Bernie Ranchero, MD, MS, MBA, medical direc... Read more
Healthcare Provider Top 5 Reasons Patients Stop Their Mood Disorder Treatment Mood disorder treatment for depression can be challenging – and patients may become frustrated when treatments don’t work. In fact, when people with depres... Read more
Patient The Impact of Gratitude on Depression and Anxiety “Say ‘Thank you,” a mother reminds her young kiddo. “T.G.I.F.!” we cheer at the end of a long week. We know it’s important to be thankful. But do we ... Read more
Patient The Silent Thief: The 5 Things Depression Can Steal “Depression is a thief,” writes Abhinav Chaurasia, a marketing automation specialist in an essay on LinkedIn. “It steals your joy, your motivation, and your abi... Read more
Patient How to Talk to Your Doctor about Anxiety Medication “When I was 27, I felt bad all the time,” writes Joanna Goddard on the popular Cup of Jo blog. She describes her initial experience with anxiety in detail. ... Read more
Healthcare Provider Building Trust by Reducing Bias: The GeneSight Test as a Tool for Mental Health Equity This blog summarizes key points discussed during Myriad Mental Health’s July 2022 Webinar: Building Trust by Reducing Bias: The GeneSight Test as a Tool for Men... Read more
Patient Anxiety and older adults: What to look for and how to help “It’s not how old you are. It’s how you are, old.” - French author Jules Renard Mental health is important at every age. But when people experience an a... Read more
Patient Adult ADHD: Symptoms, treatment, where to start Many people may incorrectly think ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, only impacts children. After all, according to the Centers for Disease C... Read more
Healthcare Provider It’s time to talk suicide: addressing stigma around a difficult topic Trigger Warning: This webinar discusses suicide. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. ... Read more
Patient Stress Relief Methods for Family Caregivers Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. However, the day in and day out of taking care of someone who is unwell also can be challen... Read more
Healthcare Provider Healthcare Professional Burnout and Links to Depression When Dr. Lorna Breen, an ER doc in Manhattan, died by suicide in April 2020, it opened up a public discussion about the burdens faced by healthcare professi... Read more
Healthcare Provider Antidepressant Withdrawal or Depression Reoccurrence? What Healthcare Providers Should Know People who stop taking antidepressants may do so for many reasons: they may feel like it isn’t working, may feel unable to cope with side effects, or may not fe... Read more