Understanding the Differences Between Stress and Anxiety: A Guide for Illinois Residents

At some point, you may have said, "I'm so anxious about this test," when what you may have really meant was stressed. Many people use "anxiety" and "stress" interchangeably, but they are actually different. Understanding the difference can significantly change how you cope with these feelings.

What is Stress?

Stress has a clear cause. It could be a deadline, a bill, an upcoming test, or a conflict. Stress is often a response to external pressure. Typically, it goes away once the situation resolves. For instance, think about a time when you had a big test coming up. You likely felt a lot of stress beforehand, but as soon as the test was over, you felt relief.

Stress is normal and even useful in short bursts. It helps us focus and prioritize the things we need to address.

Student with backpack

What is Anxiety?

On the other hand, anxiety often persists even when there is no clear upcoming trigger. Anxiety is more about anticipating danger than reacting to it. While "danger" may seem like a big word, it could simply mean feeling anxious about an upcoming test, even when you have fully prepared and know the material. Once the test is over, you might then start worrying about the grade you received.

Anxiety can feel general, meaning it can shift between different triggers or stressors. With anxiety, you often experience physical symptoms because your nervous system is activated. You may feel restless, notice muscle tension, or have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Anxiety can also lead to irritability and make it harder to concentrate, impacting your relationships and daily life.

Person taking a test

How to Tell the Difference

To discern between stress and anxiety, ask yourself: "Is there a specific reason I feel this way?"

• Stress: Yes, there is a reason.

• Anxiety: Not really, or the worry outlasts the problem.

  
  

Reflecting back to the example of the test, anxiety shifts once we have taken the test, leading to worries about the grade. Stress tends to diminish once the problem is solved, while anxiety can linger or jump to the next concern.

When to Take it Seriously

Feeling stress and/or anxiety can be exhausting. These feelings can arise unexpectedly, and you may quickly notice that anxiety symptoms impact your sleep, work, school, or relationships. If you find yourself avoiding things due to worry, or if your worry feels uncontrollable, it may be time to reach out to a professional.

Both stress and anxiety are valid experiences. If you're unsure which one you are dealing with, that's an excellent topic to explore in therapy. I work with individuals navigating both challenges—please feel free to reach out if you'd like to talk!

This content is meant to inform and support and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are in crisis, please contact 988 or your nearest emergency room. This post was written with the assistance of AI tools.