Stress vs anxiety explained
February 13, 2025 8:00 am
It’s easy to think of stress and anxiety as interchangeable terms, but understanding the differences between them is crucial for our mental well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, over 77% of people experience physical symptoms caused by stress regularly APA. If unmanaged, both stress and anxiety can negatively impact our health and quality of life. This post aims to clarify these differences, so you can identify and manage them more effectively.
This information applies to everyone—whether you’re a student, a working professional, a parent, or someone navigating the challenges of life. At Chiropractic Plus, our psychologists are experts in mental health, with years of experience and qualifications that make them ideal guides in this topic. Today, we’ll cover what stress and anxiety are, their key differences, symptoms, and tips for managing both.
What is stress?
Stress is the body’s natural response to demands or pressures from the environment, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological. It triggers a cascade of physiological reactions, including the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body for action. Stress can arise from various sources, such as work, relationships, or financial concerns, and can manifest as both positive (eustress) and negative (distress) experiences. Ultimately, stress serves as a mechanism to help individuals adapt and respond to challenges in their environment.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats, which may include stress, and is characterised by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension. While occasional anxiety is normal and can even be beneficial in certain situations, such as prompting us to prepare for a challenging event, excessive or persistent anxiety can interfere with daily life and well-being.
Anxiety can present with a wide range of symptoms, including:
1. Physical symptoms: Increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.
2. Emotional symptoms: Persistent feelings of worry, fear, irritability, and restlessness.
3. Cognitive symptoms: Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and catastrophic thinking patterns.
Individuals experiencing high levels of anxiety may exhibit:
1. Avoidance behaviour, such as avoiding social situations or activities that trigger anxiety.
2. Impaired work or academic performance due to difficulty concentrating and persistent worry.
3. Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
4. Physical health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and weakened immune function.
A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that individuals with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) report significantly lower quality of life compared to those without the disorder. Furthermore, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions globally, affecting approximately 1 in 14 people worldwide (source: World Health Organization).
Similarities between stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are often intertwined, sharing several similarities that can lead to confusion between the two. One key similarity is their physiological response. Both stress and anxiety trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, resulting in the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This physiological reaction can manifest as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and sweating, regardless of whether the trigger is a real or perceived threat.
Additionally, both stress and anxiety can affect mental and emotional well-being. They can lead to symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. This overlap in symptoms can make it challenging to distinguish between stress and anxiety, especially when individuals experience both simultaneously.
Furthermore, stress and anxiety often arise from similar triggers. For example, work deadlines, financial difficulties, or relationship problems can cause both stress and anxiety. The uncertainty and unpredictability of these stressors can exacerbate feelings of worry and fear, blurring the lines between stress-induced worry and anxious distress.
For example, consider a university student approaching final exams. The looming deadlines and pressure to perform well may trigger stress responses, such as racing thoughts and physical tension. As the exams draw closer, the student’s worry and apprehension may escalate, leading to persistent feelings of anxiety about their academic performance. In this scenario, the student may struggle to differentiate between the stress of impending exams and the anxiety stemming from fear of failure, highlighting the blurred boundaries between stress and anxiety.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
While stress and anxiety share some similarities, they are distinct experiences with different underlying causes and responses. Understanding these differences is essential for effectively managing and addressing each condition. Below, we’ll explore the specific characteristics of stress and anxiety, highlighting how they differ in terms of triggers, duration, and impact on well-being.
Triggers
Stress is typically triggered by external pressures or demands, such as work deadlines, financial difficulties, or relationship problems. These stressors are often temporary and can vary in intensity over time. In contrast, anxiety may arise from both internal and external sources, including worry about future events, fear of uncertainty, or past traumatic experiences. While stressors are typically specific and identifiable, anxiety triggers may be more diffuse and generalized.
Duration
Stress is often short-term and resolves once the stressor is removed or the situation improves. For example, the stress of preparing for a presentation may dissipate once the presentation is over. In contrast, anxiety tends to persist over a longer period, even in the absence of immediate stressors. Anxiety may become a chronic condition, with symptoms persisting for months or years if left untreated.
Response
The response to stress is often proportional to the perceived threat, with the body’s “fight or flight” response activating to help cope with the immediate challenge. Once the stressor is resolved, the body returns to a state of equilibrium. Conversely, anxiety responses may be disproportionate to the perceived threat, with heightened and persistent feelings of apprehension, worry, and fear even when there is no immediate danger. Individuals with anxiety may experience exaggerated or irrational responses to situations that others perceive as relatively benign.
Impact on Well-being
While stress can be disruptive and uncomfortable, it is often a natural and adaptive response to challenging situations. In moderation, stress can motivate action and promote resilience. However, chronic or excessive stress can have negative consequences on physical and mental health, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and burnout. Anxiety, on the other hand, can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Chronic anxiety may lead to avoidance behaviour, social isolation, and difficulties in relationships and work.
Treatment and Management
The management of stress often involves identifying and addressing the underlying stressors, implementing coping strategies to manage stress responses, and practising self-care techniques to promote resilience. Treatment for anxiety may include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques. It is essential to seek professional help if stress or anxiety significantly interferes with daily life or if symptoms become overwhelming or unmanageable.
Understanding the differences between stress and anxiety can help individuals recognise and address their symptoms effectively. By identifying the specific triggers, duration, and impact of their experiences, individuals can implement targeted strategies to manage stress and anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
Can stress turn into anxiety?
Stress can turn into anxiety when it becomes prolonged, overwhelming, or persistent. While stress is a natural response to pressure, chronic stress can lead to anxiety, especially when a person feels unable to cope with the demands. Managing stress through coping mechanisms such as mindfulness or therapy can prevent it from developing into anxiety.
How to tell if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety
To determine if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, ask yourself if you’re reacting to a specific external pressure, which is typically stress, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed without a clear cause, which is more characteristic of anxiety. Stress is usually linked to immediate situations, whereas anxiety tends to linger and can occur without any obvious trigger. Both stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms, but anxiety is often more persistent and pervasive. To further discern the difference, consider whether your physical discomfort is tied to a specific event or is constant.
Feel better naturally with anxiety counselling in Newcastle
Understanding the difference between stress and anxiety is important in taking the right steps towards managing your mental health. Stress is typically tied to specific triggers, while anxiety can persist without an apparent cause. If you’re struggling with either, it’s important to seek support. At Chiropractic Plus, our experienced psychologists in Newcastle can help you navigate these challenges.
Take the first step towards feeling better today. Visit our Psychology and Anxiety pages to learn more about how we can support your journey. For any questions or to book your appointment, call our team on (02) 4947 3661.
