Are you having a long day with deadlines, house chores, and your heart is racing? What do you think, is this stress or something else, like anxiety? If you are also one of those who can’t differentiate between the two conditions due to their overlapping symptoms, then this guide is for you! 

No need to compromise on your mental health, and understand the difference between stress and anxiety to choose the best course of action.

Stress Vs. Anxiety

Stress is a natural response that comes from your body when your mind calculates a situation as challenging or threatening. It is caused by external pressures like work deadlines, exams, financial worries, or family issues. When the stressful situation ends, the stress usually will be gone. The common symptoms of stress are:

• Irritability or mood swings
• Fatigue and muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches or digestive issues
• Increased heart rate

Whereas anxiety is a continuous feeling of fear or nervousness, even when there’s no direct threat. It covers the feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes. Unlike stress, anxiety stays for long periods and may not go away even after the triggering situation goes away. The common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Constant worry or dread
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Racing thoughts
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Panic attacks

Difference Between Anxiety & Stress

Here is a detailed difference for your understanding:

Cause and Trigger

External factors like tension about a deadline, an argument, or any mental pressure cause stress. The cause is usually identifiable. However, Anxiety is triggered by internal fears, irrational thoughts without a clear cause. It can also be triggered by a certain type of discussion.

Duration and Pattern

Stress is temporary; if that specific situation is gone, stress will be gone. But anxiety is long-lasting and recurring. Even after the situation ends, the unease, worry, or fear remains there and can increase over time. It can also interfere with daily life.

Emotional Response

You will feel frustration and irritation if you are under stress. These feelings are connected with the source of pressure. Anxiety creates constant fear, dread, or panic, and it is unrelated to any actual danger. The emotional distress can be intense and constant.

Physical Symptoms

Stress commonly causes muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and a racing heartbeat. The body reacts like it is under immediate threat. However, anxiety also has a few common symptoms, but also includes nausea, dizziness, chest tightness, and hyperventilation. These symptoms can also cause panic attacks.

Impact on Daily Life

Stress can temporarily affect your concentration, sleep, or mood, but many people can still function and recover quickly once the stressor is gone. Anxiety disturbs your daily functioning and can affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, and sleep, especially in cases like generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

Treatment and Coping

One can manage stress with short-term techniques like exercise, time management, relaxation, or taking a break. It does not require professional help unless it is chronic. But anxiety needs treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), long-term coping strategies, and sometimes medication. Without treatment, it can worsen over time.

When Stress Becomes Anxiety?

Stress becomes anxiety when it doesn’t go away after the situation or pressure passes. It starts when you respond differently to a normal situation and your feelings turn into persistent worry, nervousness, or dread that interferes with daily life.

If you are constantly on edge, struggling to relax, or experiencing physical symptoms like chest tightness or panic attacks without a clear reason, it can signal that stress has developed into an anxiety disorder that needs professional support.

Struggling With Stress or Anxiety? Get Inclusive Therapy in Mississauga

If you are under stress, anxiety, or both, Inner Voice Therapy offers empathetic, culturally sensitive mental health care. Whether you are dealing with daily pressures, panic attacks, or burnout, their experienced Therapist in Mississauga provides a personalised, trauma-informed therapy program. It is better to get professional health care rather than compromising your mental health. 

FAQs

How to stop physical anxiety symptoms?

Do exercise to relieve tension, and try to walk daily. If you believe your symptoms are being caused by anxiety, reassure yourself that what you are experiencing does not harm you.

How to stop worrying about things you can’t control?

You need to focus on stress-reducing techniques and make a mindset of acceptance. Identify your fears and go for the problem-solving approach. Engage yourself in mindfulness practices like deep breathing or meditation.

Can anxiety cause physical symptoms like stress?

Yes, symptoms for both can be the same; you can experience headaches, muscle tension, and a fast heartbeat, but anxiety often includes ongoing fear and mental distress.