Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference

We all feel stress from time to time. A big deadline at work, a move to a new city, or conflict in a relationship can leave us tense, restless, and on edge. But sometimes what we’re experiencing isn’t just stress—it’s anxiety. While the two can look and feel similar, understanding the difference can help you know how to take care of yourself.

What Is Stress?

Stress is the body’s natural response to an external challenge. It’s usually tied to a specific situation, like preparing for an exam, planning a wedding, or navigating a difficult conversation. In small doses, stress can be useful—it sharpens focus and motivates us to take action. The good news? Once the situation passes, stress symptoms often ease.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety, on the other hand, is often less about what’s happening now and more about the anticipation of problems. It can show up as constant “what if” thoughts, a sense of dread, or worry that feels hard to control. Unlike stress, anxiety doesn’t always fade when circumstances change. It can linger in the background or flare up even when things seem calm on the surface.

How Stress and Anxiety Feel Similar

Both stress and anxiety can cause:

• Trouble sleeping

• Muscle tension or restlessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability or feeling “on edge”

This overlap is why it’s easy to confuse the two.

Key Differences: Stress vs. Anxiety

• Trigger: Stress is usually tied to something specific (like a project or life event). Anxiety may show up without an obvious cause.

• Duration: Stress tends to fade once the situation resolves. Anxiety often lingers, sometimes becoming chronic.

• Intensity: Stress can feel manageable, while anxiety can feel overwhelming and harder to control.

When to Seek Support

If you notice that worry feels constant, interferes with sleep, affects your work, or makes it hard to enjoy your relationships, it may be more than everyday stress. That’s when it can help to reach out for professional support.

Therapy provides a space to explore what you’re feeling, learn tools to cope with stress and anxiety, and move forward with more clarity and calm.

Final Thoughts

Stress and anxiety are both part of being human, but they don’t have to run the show. If you’re unsure which one you’re experiencing—or if it feels like too much to manage on your own—therapy can help you sort it out and support you in feeling more grounded.