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Stress and Anxiety Awareness
by Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ November 13, 2025
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Mom’s eyes.
Awareness of Stress and Anxiety: A personal reflection
Stress is something we all encounter—it’s part of being human. But when stress begins to dominate your thoughts, disrupt your routines, and cast a shadow over everyday life, it often signals something deeper: anxiety.
My daughter, like many teens, dealt with stress throughout high school. Some days were harder than others, depending on school pressures or social dynamics. It was manageable—typical, even.
But everything shifted when she entered college. The stress became constant and overwhelming that she no longer could do things she once did without dread and hesitation.
Nikki informed me that her healthcare provider had diagnosed her with severe anxiety and she was advised to take Benadryl to help her cope during the worst episodes. And so, following that advice, my daughter began taking it regularly, without much pause or questioning.
At first, I attributed her heightened anxiety to the usual suspects: the transition to college, living away from home, academic pressure. But something didn’t add up. Her reactions were disproportionate, her health visibly declining, and her anxiety felt unrelenting.
Then came a moment of clarity. We began to suspect that the medications she’d been prescribed for her suicide attempt was contributing to her distress. And as we looked closer, it became clear: her worsening anxiety and overall health were likely tied to the very drugs meant to help her.
Can one treatment cause another problem?
Absolutely—one treatment can unintentionally trigger another issue. I learned this firsthand watching my daughter struggle with anxiety. Over time it became clear that her symptoms weren’t just about stress or life transitions—they were side effects of the medications she’d been prescribed.
This experience opened my eyes to how easily medication reactions can be mistaken for psychological conditions. When someone’s behavior shifts or their anxiety intensifies, we often look to life circumstances or mental health diagnoses. But sometimes, the root cause is hiding in plain sight: the treatment itself.
Certain medications, including those prescribed for mental health, can actually contribute to anxiety. Even something as seemingly minor as the dyes or inactive ingredients in a pill can affect the nervous system or trigger sensitivities that manifest emotionally.
It’s also important to understand that not all prescriptions are FDA-approved for the specific condition they’re being used to treat. Many are prescribed “off-label,” meaning they’re used outside their original intended purpose. While this can be helpful in some cases, it also increases the risk of unexpected side effects.
This is why advocating for deeper understanding—asking questions, researching ingredients, and trusting your instincts—is so vital. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth exploring whether the treatment itself might be contributing to the problem.
Key Facts about Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are distinct yet interconnected responses that can significantly impact both mental and physical health. While they share similar symptoms, understanding their differences is essential for effective management.
Common Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety
Both conditions may present with physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Generalized body pain
- Persistent worry or racing thoughts
- Feelings of uneasiness or restlessness
- Elevated blood pressure
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Reduced ability to perform routine tasks
Distinguishing Stress from Anxiety
Stress is typically a temporary response to an external pressure or challenge. Once the triggering situation is resolved—such as meeting a deadline or navigating a conflict—stress levels usually subside.
Anxiety, on the other hand, persists beyond the immediate stressor. It often involves chronic worry or fear that interferes with daily functioning and may continue even when no clear threat is present. Over time, unmanaged anxiety can contribute to broader health concerns, including cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, and impaired immune function.
Understanding these differences can help individuals seek appropriate support and treatment, whether through lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions, or medical guidance.
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-Aristotle –
Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story and Mom’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
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