Stress is nothing new. It’s been with us since ancient times, though the causes have changed over the centuries. In the past, stress meant facing literal threats to survival—“Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!” Today, our stressors look different. From the pressures of modern work life to the constant connection and information overload of the digital age, stress has evolved right along with us. And while the specific triggers have changed, the body’s response remains the same.

In fact, the fight-or-flight response is universal, found in nearly all species, even as small as a fruit fly. There’s even evidence to suggest that plants have stress responses—just ask anyone who talks to their plants to help them grow!

So, what’s really happening in our bodies when we’re stressed? And how does this link to the anxiety and depression that so many of us face today?

The Stress Response: It’s Not What Happens, It’s How We React

Dr. Hans Selye, a renowned Canadian researcher, was one of the first to demonstrate that the nature of the stressor isn’t as important as how our bodies react to it. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a difficult conversation, or the constant buzz of notifications, what really matters is the body’s response to the stressor.

And that’s where things can get tricky.

When the body’s stress response becomes locked in, it often leads to anxiety. Anxiety is essentially our body’s prolonged reaction to stress, whether we’re consciously aware of the source or not. We all know what anxiety feels like—muscle tension, disrupted sleep, headaches, stomach issues, irritability, and difficulty focusing. It’s a physical response to an emotional trigger, and unfortunately, it can start as early as childhood.

Anxiety: A Growing Concern for All Ages

Childhood anxiety is becoming more recognized and, sadly, more common. Adolescents are experiencing anxiety at higher rates than ever before, likely due to the pressures of our fast-paced, always-connected world. And for adults, especially those who had difficult childhoods or ongoing challenges, anxiety can feel like a constant companion.

While some of us may be genetically predisposed to anxiety, everyone can benefit from learning ways to manage their body’s response to stress. Managing stress is about more than simply reducing its sources—it’s about controlling how we react to it so that we can move toward optimal health.

Depression: The Complicated Cousin of Anxiety

Depression is often more complex, with multiple contributing factors. Like anxiety, it can be inherited, and even babies can show signs of distress or depression if their needs aren’t met. Human connection plays a big role in mental health, and when individuals lack social support, experience chronic stress, or face economic hardship, they’re more prone to depression.

Depression can manifest in many ways, from low energy and fatigue to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. Often, depression involves a feeling of being trapped—of having no way out.

And yet, depression isn’t only influenced by our thoughts or life circumstances. Environmental toxins, medications, and even the foods and water we consume can play a role. Our society’s pressures—whether they be economic, social, or environmental—can intensify feelings of hopelessness, contributing to both anxiety and depression.

How Therapy Can Help You Take Control

While stress, anxiety, and depression are complex issues, therapy can be a powerful tool to help you regain control. As a therapist, my role is to help you explore what factors are contributing to your stress or anxiety and guide you toward strategies for managing them. Often, we begin by reframing your thoughts—learning to see things from a new perspective can open up possibilities for change that you might not have noticed before.

But therapy doesn’t stop there. I also help you connect with other resources and tools you may not have known about, whether they’re strategies for grounding yourself in the present, mindfulness techniques, or lifestyle adjustments that can help calm your nervous system. The goal is to get you grounded, calmer, and more focused, so you can use your thinking mind to work toward improving your life.

No one has to go through the stress and struggles of life alone. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply trying to manage the stresses of daily life, therapy offers a safe space to explore your emotions and find solutions that work for you.

More Posts