We are living in uncertain times. It has become almost impossible to not contemplate our future, our health, our personal finances, our plans and their consequences. Uncertainty is an emotional trigger. Namely the emotions of fear and anxiety. It is important to identify the differences between the two.

Fear and anxiety often occur together but these terms are not interchangeable. Even though symptoms typically overlap, a person's experience with these emotions differs based on their context. Fear relates to a known or understood threat, whereas anxiety follows from an unknown, expected or poorly defined threat.

It is part of our human experience to feel fear on occasion. When we are faced with a real threat, our senses serve to maintain our alertness and often trigger a fight or flight response.

With anxiety, the threat is most likely imagined rather than immediate. Anxiety can also be the symptom of underlying emotional or psychological issues and may merit professional attention.

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• Emotional Health