Navigating the landscape of mental health can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out if what you’re feeling is normal or something more serious. Many people use the terms “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably, but there are important distinctions between the two. Understanding these differences is the first step toward getting the right support and feeling better.
Stress: A response to an external trigger
Think of stress as your body’s natural response to a demanding or challenging situation. It is usually triggered by external events, such as:
- A major work deadline
- Conflict with a family member
- Mounting financial pressure
Stress can be short-term (like a close call in traffic) or long-term (like ongoing problems at work). It can be a motivator that helps you focus and perform under pressure. Once the stressful situation is resolved, the feeling of stress typically fades.
Symptoms of stress:
- Irritability or anger
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Digestive issues
Anxiety: A persistent state of worry
Anxiety is different. It is a persistent and excessive state of worry, fear, and unease that can linger even when there is no immediate threat. While it can be triggered by stress, anxiety is more internal, often involving “what if” thinking and a fear of future events. Sometimes, anxiety can feel like an internal alarm bell ringing without a clear reason.
Signs of anxiety disorder:
When does stress become anxiety?
- Worry that is disproportionate: The fear is much larger than the actual circumstance.
- Difficulty controlling worry: You may feel powerless to stop anxious thoughts.
- Excessive duration: Your anxiety persists for weeks or months and doesn’t fade with the stressful event.
- Impairment in daily functioning: Anxiety interferes with your work, relationships, or daily routine.
- Persistent physical symptoms: Symptoms like a rapid heart rate, sweating, or gastrointestinal issues are common, even when you aren’t facing a clear challenge.
- Avoidance behavior: You may start avoiding specific places or situations out of fear.
Stress and anxiety can and do overlap. Chronic, untreated stress can wear down your system and contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. If your body is constantly in a state of “fight-or-flight,” it can eventually begin to trigger this response even without a clear external stressor.
A helpful way to tell them apart is to ask yourself: “Will this feeling go away once the stressor is gone?”. If worry and fear persist, feel excessive, or interfere with your life, it may be anxiety rather than stress.
Seeking help is a sign of strength
Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed and it’s okay to feel anxious. But if your feelings are interfering with your life, a mental health professional can help you develop coping strategies and find lasting relief.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
