Are you suffering from excessive stress or anxiety and trying to understand the difference between the two? While they can feel similar, they are not the same. To get the right mental health treatment, it’s important to understand the differences between the two.
Stress vs anxiety: What’s the Difference?
You may ask yourself, “Are stress and anxiety the same thing”? While they can feel similar, stress is a response to a real or perceived threat. It can be physical or emotional and is usually short-lived.
On the other hand, anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, unease or fear that is often disproportionate to the situation. Anxiety can occur and persist even when there is no apparent threat.
What is Stress?
Stress is a normal physical and emotional reaction to challenging situations and is usually short-lived. Stress can come from external factors, such as work, relationship problems, financial problems, or an illness or injury. Most people feel stress when they have arguments or disagreements with coworkers and family members and work long hours, or experience job insecurity. Some people may also feel stressed if they have low self-esteem, poor time management or are prone to worrying.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety can be a normal stress response but can also be considered a disorder if it interferes with your daily activities. Anxiety can be classified into several categories: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety may include restlessness, racing thoughts, trouble concentrating, muscle tension, fatigue and sleep problems. The good news is that anxiety can be treated with therapy and/or medication, and many people with anxiety disorder can lead fulfilling lives with the right support and treatment.
Tips for Recognizing and Identifying Anxiety vs. Stress
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences stress and anxiety differently, and these symptoms may vary in severity and duration. If you’re concerned that your stress or anxiety affects your daily life, it’s important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional like those at Sabino Recovery. They can help determine if you have an anxiety disorder and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Symptoms of Stress
Stress symptoms fall into three categories, including physical, emotional or behavioral.
- Physical symptoms of stress: headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, upset stomach and sleep problems
- Emotional symptoms of stress: irritability, frustration, anger, feelings of overwhelm and difficulty concentrating
- Behavioral symptoms of stress: procrastination, substance abuse, overeating and changes in sleep patterns
Symptoms of Anxiety
Like stress, anxiety symptoms can also be physical, emotional or behavioral.
- Physical symptoms of anxiety: muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking and dizziness
- Emotional symptoms of anxiety: constant worry, fear, nervousness and feeling on edge
- Behavioral symptoms of anxiety: avoiding certain situations or activities, repetitive behaviors and trouble sleeping
Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety
You can use the same techniques for both when managing stress and anxiety. Here are some recommended coping mechanisms:
- Getting plenty of exercise and physical activity
- Practicing good time management, like setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks in order of importance
- Practicing being mindful and staying present in each moment
- Recognizing and questioning negative thoughts
- Spending time with friends and family
- Talking to a therapist who specializes in stress and anxiety
- Trying one or more relaxation techniques, like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and massage
Getting Help at Sabino Recovery
Here at Sabino Recovery in Tucson, AZ, we understand what anxiety feels like, and we can help you manage both stress and anxiety with our mental health services.
