Stress and Fear

I may have made some comparisons between stress and fear in earlier posts, and it is true that the two overlap quite a great deal.  Fear as whole is a more short term reaction to immediate threats and stress/anxiety are more long term reactions to perceived threats.  Many of the symptoms of stress are similar to those of fear, just in a lesser intensity (meaning no shock can occur).  

Increased muscles tension (to help with rapid movement) is a major symptom of fear, however, in the case of stress the muscles are in a constant state of tensions straining the muscles and bones leaving an almost constant sensation of pain.  The heart is another major organ that reacts to the 'fear state' by increasing the blood flow through the body, pushing the heart into working overtime.  This is also an effect of stress that could lead to hypertension, stroke, or even a heart attack.  The hormones released are the same for both fear and stress these are what trigger the increase in glucose production in the 'fear state'.  However when stress is not fear and the body doesn't use this massive amount of glucose it could cause major problems even leading to diabetes.  And those individuals who already have diabetes are at even greater risk.  Not major problem is found in the nervous system but the constant signaling of the other organs to perform these tasks leads to continued pain for the body.