In casual conversation, people may use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably. This can be harmless when the technical definition is not the point. However, if you’re trying to figure out why you feel like you do, you must recognize how they differ. The primary distinction lies in where the triggers exist. Generally speaking, stress is caused by an external trigger, while anxiety starts within.

If you get stuck in traffic and it causes you to get tense and frustrated, it’s fair to assume you are stressed out. However, if you find yourself ruminating about the traffic the night before you have to drive somewhere, it could be that anxiety is at play. Let’s explore some of the differences.

5 Ways Stress and Anxiety Differ

1. Stress is a Response to Something Present

As the traffic example above highlights, stress almost always has a tangible cause. Anxiety is more free-floating. It creates a general sense of worry, dread, or nervousness. This baseline can then cause more anxiety even when no trigger is present. Keep in mind that anxiety is a diagnosable mental health disorder. Thus, it exists with or without an obvious reason.

2. Anxiety Has More Symptoms Than Stress

At times, stress and anxiety can look and feel very similar. Someone who is stressed or anxious may experience, for example, muscle tension, sweating, heart palpitations, dry mouth, and so much more. However, if that person has an anxiety disorder, they may also display symptoms like panic attacks or intrusive thoughts.

3. The Degree of Reaction

If a loved one endures an injury, this is clearly a stressful situation. You will likely experience a wide array of stress-related symptoms. A person with anxiety in this situation will probably have a much more intense and distressing reaction. They may feel less capable of controlling this response, and, left unchecked, this response can spiral into an anxiety cycle.

4. Impact on Daily Life

Since stress has a more obvious cause and can frequently be relieved when that cause is removed, it usually has a limited effect on daily functioning. Anxiety is ongoing. With or without an obvious trigger, the person feels anxious. It’s like a default setting. Over time, such anxiety will escalate, and it can become increasingly difficult to manage. As a result, your everyday life becomes more of a challenge.

5. Treatment Approach

When you have chronic stress in your life, you can manage it through lifestyle changes. You may need to switch jobs or reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. A therapist can be a huge help with this but overall, since stress has identifiable causes, it usually has identifiable solutions. Anxiety, on the other hand, requires more exploration and analysis. Working with an experienced therapist enables you to recognize underlying causes, counterproductive behavior patterns, and helpful new approaches.

Why You Should Ask For Help

• Stress and anxiety are often present at the same time. This reality can blur the lines enough for you to possibly downplay the anxiety or overreact to the stress. Either choice is counterproductive. 

• Unless acknowledged and managed, stress can increase your odds of eventually struggling with anxiety.

• Having someone to help you identify your triggers is a giant step toward managing either anxiety or stress.

• Both stress and anxiety are treatable. There is no reason to struggle in silence.

Reaching out to a mental health professional is not an overreaction. It is a proven step on the path toward reclaiming your peace of mind. Working with a therapist provides you with the opportunity to develop the coping skills you need to thrive. Your weekly sessions provide a safe space to examine, explore, and heal.