What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Many people ask themselves whether they're experiencing stress or anxiety. The two can feel very similar, especially when you're overwhelmed, and it's not always easy to tell the difference. This is especially true when the labels that we apply to such experiences have overlapping symptoms and effects.
The most widely used definitions of the difference between the two suggest that stress is due to an external trigger of some form; there has been an event or set of circumstances that cause the emotional, psychological and physiological response that you experience. On the other hand anxiety may be rooted more internally with a basis in persistent worries or a learnt experience from the past that is still impacting you now.
Symptoms of stress and anxiety
The symptoms of stress and anxiety can be the same, for example, insomnia, worry, increased heart rate and difficulty concentrating are classic signs of both. Anxiety can be more associated with panic attacks and worries that do not have an external trigger, or persist long after the experience that triggered the anxiety has passed.
On the other hand, stress can be associated more with anger and specific circumstances. However, everyone is different, showing different combinations of symptoms. Additionally, no issue occurs in a vacuum, so there may be other circumstances contributing to the way you feel that causes further overlap. Of course, they also may co-occur in one person at one time.
Can stress become anxiety?
The experience of stress, and the initial external triggers that caused it, can definitely lead to someone developing anxiety. The worries that started in the time of stress may persist after the triggers have gone. This is one reason why it can be a good idea to work with stress early.
Managing stress and anxiety
Even if you are not sure if you are experiencing stress or anxiety, luckily, the things that can help one also help the other. So many of the ways to help manage stress and anxiety are the basics, that seem simple when you are feeling well, but much harder when you feel overwhelmed.
Looking after your physical health is a great step in managing stress and anxiety. Try to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. Try not to overthink these things - do your best with them, but avoid becoming so rigid in your expectations of yourself that these habits become an additional source of worry or stress - poor sleep is not the end of the world, but do what you can to get a good night.
Connecting with the things that bring joy and happiness or appreciation is also important. Do the things that you enjoy, spend some time on yourself, and connect with family and friends. Although it may not feel like you get the normal enjoyment from these, they will help.
Understanding what is happening
Try to understand what is going on for you. Building self-awareness or situational awareness of the triggers, thoughts and emotions can help you to understand yourself better, and to manage the emotions. Activities like journaling or meditating can help with these. And of course, therapy is a great way to explore some of these patterns, and lessen the load further.
If these feelings are beginning to affect your relationships, work, sleep or quality of life, you don't have to manage them alone. Speaking with a therapist can provide a space to understand what's happening and explore ways forward.
Not a sign of weakness
Finally, and importantly, remember that stress and anxiety are not signs of weakness. They are responses that in many circumstances are helpful to us, adaptive and have helped us to survive. When they start to interfere with your quality of life, then it may be time to explore what they are trying to tell you.
If you feel like stress or anxiety is starting to affect your daily life, therapy can provide a space for you to explore what is happening and find ways of making it more manageable. If you are looking for therapy in Leeds City Centre or online, you can find more about how I work here:
