8 Most Popular Google Searches About Anxiety And Stress; Here's The Answers
We have all experienced stress, or possibly anxiety, on at least one occasion in our lives. So it comes to no surprise the countless questions that come up with a simple Google search of the term “Is stress. . .?” While many of us use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably, there is a difference. Stress is caused by an existing stress-causing factor or “stressor,” and anxiety is stress that continues after the stressor is gone, according to MedLinePlus.
To learn more about how both affect your health, here are the answers to 8 of the most popular searched questions on Google beginning with the phrases, "Is stress...?" and "Is anxiety...?"
Read: Anxiety vs. Depression: How They Differ And What To Do
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Yes, anxiety disorders are considered mental illness. In fact, they are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Anxiety disorders include a number of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Is anxiety harmful to your heart?
The association between anxiety and heart disease is continuing to be studied. “It’s my view and my personal clinical experience that anxiety disorders can play a major role in heart disease,” psychiatrist Una McCann told John Hopkins Medicine. “I believe that a really careful look at anxiety would reveal the ways it can severely impact heart disease, both as a contributing factor and as an obstacle in recovery.”
Is anxiety genetic?
Genetics are a risk factor for anxiety disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Other risk factors are brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
Is anxiety treatable?
Yes, anxiety disorders are treatable, yet only a third of those who are suffering receive treatment, according to the NIMH. Treatments include psychotherapy and medication to get your anxiety under control. Other tips to manage it, include regular exercise, well-balanced meals, and getting sufficient sleep. For more tips and strategies to manage anxiety or stress, check out this infographic.
Is stress bad for your health?
Stress takes a great toll on your body, mood, and behavior. These are some of the common effects: headache, fatigue, sleep problems, lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed, drug or alcohol abuse, and social withdrawal, among many others.
Is stress common?
Yes, stress affects everyone! It may come from work, school, major life changes, or traumatic events. Although stress generally is not good for your health, it’s not all bad, the NIMH notes. Sometimes stress can motivate you to prepare or perform, for a new job or if you’re taking a test.
Is stress eating real?
Yes. When you are stressed, some people may emotionally eat as a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions. Alternatively, some people may eat less when they are experiencing those feelings, Mayo Clinic states.
Is stress causing hair loss?
Yes, it is possible that your hair loss and stress may be related. There are a few types of hair loss associated with high stress levels, Mayo Clinic reports. By getting your stress under control, your hair can grow back.
See also: How Your Brain Copes With Stress
