Have you heard the saying, “stop and smell the roses”? Is this something you do or think you do not have time to slow down and enjoy life?
Do you work from home? Do you have children at home or other family responsibilities? Do you have a personal health concern? Are you dealing with economic issues? Do you suffer from stress or anxiety and do you know the difference?
Everyone has life stressors- how will you deal with yours? Stress is an external event or situation and usually subsides once the situation has been resolved. The person that cuts you off while driving, the kids screaming, your boss adding another report due by the end of the day.
Anxiety, is an internal response to situations and can persist even after the concern or situation has passed. Change in jobs, living arrangements, death of a loved one, and emotional shock can trigger anxiety.
Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Stress vs. Anxiety
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Stress |
Both Stress and Anxiety |
Anxiety |
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*Generally is a response to an external cause, such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend.
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*Both stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body.
*You may experience symptoms such as:
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Try one or more of these de stressors consistently and reap the rewards.
The DCLS home page offers several resources for information on recognizing stress and anxiety and ways to deal with each. Links to Medline Plus, Salem Online, Gale Health and Wellness are just a few. These can be accessed on the DCLS home page under the Research & Resource icon 
Health & Human Services
By searching for stress, stress management, anxiety, coping, etc. you will find many articles on ways to deal with your stressors in a more positive way. The Library also offers a variety of books, cd’s, ebooks, etc. on relaxation, meditation, healthy habits, stress management and more. Check out the on-line catalog or stop in to one of the Library’s 8 branches.
Below are web site links that also offer supportive information:
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/06/stress-vs-anxiety/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
https://www.powerofpositivity.com/deal-with-stress/
https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/tips-to-control-stress
if you feel you need more professional help, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat at 988lifeline.org.or contact NMH Information Resource Center (National Institute of Mental Health) @ 1-866-615-6464. You can also contact your local Crisis Intervention Center or Contact Helpline if you reside in South Central PA- 800-932-4616.
Change what you can, accept what you can’t and don’t sweat the small stuff.
