Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at some point, but while they share similarities, they are not the same thing. Stress is a temporary response to an external challenge, while anxiety is a persistent mental health condition that often requires professional treatment.
Because stress and anxiety have overlapping symptoms – such as restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating – it can be challenging to tell them apart. Understanding their differences can help you determine when daily stress becomes chronic anxiety and when it may be time to seek professional help.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a natural, short-term response to a specific challenge or threat. It can be beneficial in preparing you to deal with pressures from work, school, relationships, or other life demands. Stress typically subsides once the situation resolves.
Causes of stress may include:
- Work deadlines or job-related pressure
- Financial difficulties
- Family conflicts
- Significant life changes, like moving, divorce, or loss of a loved one
- Exams or academic challenges
Symptoms of stress can be physical, like muscle tension and fatigue. They can also be emotional and behavioral, such as irritability, frustration, insomnia, and avoidance of responsibilities. These symptoms usually fade once the stressor disappears from your life. While chronic stress can contribute to long-term health problems, it is not a mental health disorder.
What Is Anxiety?
Unlike stress, anxiety is a persistent mental health condition that can occur even when there is no immediate or identifiable threat. Anxiety often lingers long after a stressful event has passed and may even develop without an obvious trigger.
Causes of anxiety can include:
- Generally worrying about the future or imagining worst-case scenarios
- A history of trauma or negative experiences
- Overactive fight-or-flight response
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
Physical anxiety symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, stomachaches, and a racing heart, often accompanied by a sense of impending doom and intrusive thoughts that are hard to control. You may have trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and prefer to avoid social situations for fear of having a panic attack.
While stress can contribute to anxiety, it does not automatically lead to an anxiety disorder. However, chronic stress that remains unresolved may increase your risk of developing anxiety over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s normal to feel stressed during challenging situations, but it may be time to seek help if your anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with your daily life. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if:
- You feel anxious most days, even with no evident reason.
- Your worries are excessive, irrational, or uncontrollable.
- Anxiety causes physical symptoms, such as dizziness or panic attacks.
- You avoid specific situations due to fear or excessive worry.
- Your anxiety is affecting your job, relationships, or overall well-being.
At Palm Springs Behavioral Health, we specialize in treating anxiety disorders and related mental health conditions. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based therapies that help clients manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.
Find Relief From Anxiety
While stress is a natural part of life, chronic anxiety doesn’t have to be. Professional treatment can help if you struggle with extreme worry, fear, or panic. Reach out to us today to learn more about personalized treatment options and start working toward improved mental wellness.
