Understanding the similarities—and differences—between fear and anxiety can help us better manage both. Here’s how.
Fear and anxiety are similar because they put us on high alert for action and trigger an increase in adrenaline.
Experiencing fear and anxiety together can interfere with our ability to move forward with daily life.Combatting fear and anxietyWe are trying to move forward. We are returning to work, gathering for celebrations, and pursuing family building. But many of us still feelor anxiety, and some feel both. How are fear and anxiety similar, how are they different, and what can we do about them?
Fear and anxiety are similar because they put us on high alert for action and trigger an increase in adrenaline, which then triggers the fight or flight response. Since adrenaline increases respiration, sweating, and heart rate, both fear and anxiety can give us shallow rapid panting, clammy hands, and a pounding in our chest that distracts or worries us.
Although they have these similarities, fear and anxiety are inherently different. Anxiety is our response to an unknown threat or uncertainty, and fear is our response to a real, known threat or danger. In other words, when we can’t predict what’s coming next, our brain is wired to be prepared, just in case. That’s anxiety. When we know what’s coming next and it seems dangerous, we are wired to get ready for fight or flight mode. That’s fear.
Experiencing fear or anxiety for an extended time is psychologically and physically challenging – but experiencing both together is exhausting. It can interfere with our ability to move forward with our daily life. Here are some tips on managing anxiety, fear, and a combination of both.Any anticipated change can trigger anxiety, even good change like seeing coworkers again, finalizing a wedding, or starting a family, because we can’t predict what's coming next.
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