Anxiety vs stress: The difference could change how you seek help
Nearly 280 million people live with anxiety disorders. The World Health Organisation reported a 25% rise in anxiety cases after Covid-19, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.
Anxiety is often brushed off as everyday stress, if you come to think of it, the two are not the same. With cases rising sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, it is imperative now to recognise when anxiety becomes a medical condition that needs treatment.
“When you talk about anxiety disorder, you are mentioning a medical illness,” said Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairperson of the Fortis Mental Health Program & Adayu. “It has a clear cause, defined ways to diagnose it, and evidence-based guidelines on how to treat it.”
Anxiety vs Stress
According to global estimates, nearly 280 million people live with anxiety disorders. The World Health Organisation reported a 25% rise in anxiety cases after Covid-19, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.
Despite this, many people still confuse anxiety disorders with routine stress.
“Stress can be a part of life. It may affect you briefly and improve with support or small changes. But anxiety disorders are different. They follow well-defined clinical patterns such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or phobias," Dr. Parikh explained.
How do you treat anxiety?
Treatment, he added, depends on severity. “In mild cases, therapy and lifestyle changes may be enough. In moderate cases, therapy is essential and medication may be added. In severe cases, both are definitely required,” he said.
While awareness has improved, a large gap remains in people seeking help. Even today, the number of people who actually seek treatment is far lower than those who need it. Stigma and hesitation still exist.
Recognising anxiety as a real health condition, not just a passing feeling, is the first step.
With proper diagnosis and timely care, it can be effectively managed, helping people regain control over their daily lives.
Anxiety is often brushed off as everyday stress, if you come to think of it, the two are not the same. With cases rising sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, it is imperative now to recognise when anxiety becomes a medical condition that needs treatment.
“When you talk about anxiety disorder, you are mentioning a medical illness,” said Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairperson of the Fortis Mental Health Program & Adayu. “It has a clear cause, defined ways to diagnose it, and evidence-based guidelines on how to treat it.”
Anxiety vs Stress
According to global estimates, nearly 280 million people live with anxiety disorders. The World Health Organisation reported a 25% rise in anxiety cases after Covid-19, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.
Despite this, many people still confuse anxiety disorders with routine stress.
“Stress can be a part of life. It may affect you briefly and improve with support or small changes. But anxiety disorders are different. They follow well-defined clinical patterns such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or phobias," Dr. Parikh explained.
How do you treat anxiety?
Treatment, he added, depends on severity. “In mild cases, therapy and lifestyle changes may be enough. In moderate cases, therapy is essential and medication may be added. In severe cases, both are definitely required,” he said.
While awareness has improved, a large gap remains in people seeking help. Even today, the number of people who actually seek treatment is far lower than those who need it. Stigma and hesitation still exist.
Recognising anxiety as a real health condition, not just a passing feeling, is the first step.
With proper diagnosis and timely care, it can be effectively managed, helping people regain control over their daily lives.
