In my early 20s, I was always stressed. I’d wake up sometimes feeling a crushing weight in my chest, dreading the day. When a work issue went wrong, I would have trouble breathing, or experience actual chest pains. Back then, in the early 2000s, the word anxiety hadn’t made its way into our everyday lexicon, and it was saved for dramatic heart attack masking scenes in movies. But wow, did we know the word stress.
Turns out, I was confusing my ever-present, at times overwhelming, anxiety with stress. To me, they felt the same – I was never not stressed, regardless of what was happening in my life. These days, I see the same with my clients, and even though anxiety has overtaken stress in terms of how people define how they feel, most of us have trouble distinguishing between the two. When it comes to our mental health, we need to understand how they differ.
Stress
Stress is a natural response to an external cause, such as a looming deadline, an argument with a friend, or financial pressure. It’s our body’s way of responding to that external stimulus. In small doses, stress can actually be helpful, sharpening your focus and motivation (like motivating us to study for an exam). Longer term, however, it’s not helpful at all, and takes a brutal toll on our physical and mental health.
Common signs of stress:
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Upset stomach or other physical symptoms
Stress typically goes away once the situation is resolved. After that exam or work deadline, you feel better, and your symptoms go away.
Anxiety
Anxiety, on the other hand, is an internal response that often persists even when there’s no immediate threat. It can be triggered by stress, but it may also occur without a clear cause. Anxiety tends to be more persistent and can interfere with daily life.
Common symptoms of anxiety:
- Constant worrying, even about small things
- A consistent feeling of dread or unease
- Restlessness
- Racing or ruminating thoughts
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Unlike stress, which is usually tied to a specific situation, anxiety can linger for weeks or months. Anxiety can be helped medically, and many clients seek therapy to help with their anxiety.
Occasional stress or anxiety is a normal part of life. But if you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, unable to relax, or if these feelings interfere with your ability to function, it may be time to seek support. Therapists, counselors, and medical professionals can help you develop coping strategies and, if necessary, explore treatment options like therapy or medication.
Impart Therapy
Written by Nadine Evans at Impart Therapy. At Impart, we work with clients struggling with anxiety, stress, and life transitions. If you are looking for help, please reach out. Our therapists are available immediately. Contact us today!
