Stress vs. Anxiety

What is Stress?

Stress is generally a physical or mental response to an external cause. These causes can include, but are not limited to, a heavy workload, illness, significant life change, or relationship difficulties.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety generally stems from an internal cause, such as stress. However, anxiety can occur and persist even when there is no current threat. If one’s anxiety doesn’t go away overtime, it can begin to interfere with their health and wellbeing.

STress

• Generally a response to an external cause
• When the situation causing stress is resolved, the stress typically goes away
• Can be positive, such as in situations in which you have a deadline you need to be pushed to meet

Both

• Stress and anxiety both can affect the mind and body
• The symptoms of the two are similar and often overlap. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
  • Loss of sleep
  • Headaches
  • Feeling uneasy
  • Tension
  • High blood pressure
  • Excessive worry

Anxiety

• Generally internal, as a reaction to stress
• Persistent feelings and symptoms of anxiety, even when no threat is present
• Often accompanied with feelings of dread or apprehension that don’t go away

Coping with Stress and Anxiety

We suggest trying to learn what causes your stress, and subsequent anxiety. Better understanding the causes can help determine what coping techniques may be right for you. When you are beginning to feel stressed, we recommend the following:

• Practice relaxation activities that you enjoy
• Keep a journal in which you can write your thoughts and feelings, or even doodle if that provides relief to you
• Exercise even if only in small amounts
• Challenge negative thoughts and try to consciously replace them with positive thoughts
• Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine especially before bed
• Create a sleep routine that is consistent and provides an adequate amount of rest
• Reach out to your support network of family, friends, and/or health care provider

Treatment and More Help

If your symptoms persist over time, or you feel like you are struggling to cope, it is important to reach out for more help. A health care provider can help you determine the causes and best plan of action for treating your stress or anxiety.

If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

More RESOURCES

• To learn more we recommend contacting your health care provider.
• To read more, the following resources are suggested:
  • NAMI “I’m So Stressed Out” – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet  
  • NIMH “Things to Know About Stress” – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress#pub3
  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing – https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/06/stress-vs-anxiety/