Everyone feels stress; it’s a normal part of life. Sometimes, stress can even help us focus, like when meeting a deadline. But stress and anxiety are often confused. Are they the same? No, they’re different. Understanding the difference can help you find the proper support.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s response to an external challenge, such as work deadlines, financial pressures, or significant life changes. It also generally goes away once the situation is resolved. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). It may lead to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances. While stress can sometimes motivate us to take action, prolonged stress can negatively impact our health and well-being.
What is Anxiety?
“Anxiety is not new, and anxiety is very common and normal,” says Shannon Bennett, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist, assistant professor of psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, and director of psychology for the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYP/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Anxiety is generally internal and is our body’s reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat. It usually involves a persistent sense of worry, fear, or unease, often about uncertain or uncontrollable events. While some levels of anxiety are normal, excessive or ongoing anxiety may be a sign of an anxiety disorder that requires professional support. Symptoms of anxiety can include racing thoughts, excessive worry, irritability, and physical sensations like a rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing.
Why It Matters
Stress and anxiety can affect your mental and physical health. They often share symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, or trouble concentrating, making it hard to tell them apart. That’s why talking openly about how you feel—or what you notice in others—is so important. Knowing the difference between stress and anxiety can help you find the best ways to cope, whether it’s stress management techniques or professional care for anxiety.
Next Steps
Consider registering for Adult Mental Health First Aid to learn more about how to have open and honest conversations about mental health. This program teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges, offering a path toward greater well-being for themselves and others. To register for the next class in Brevard County https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-mental-health-first-aid-training-tickets-1203588689169
For additional resources and support, visit:
- American Psychological Association
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- National Institute of Mental Health
Reference
I’m so stressed out! Fact sheet. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? (2022, February 14). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference
GREAT: Helpful practices to manage stress and anxiety. (2021, February 22). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2021/great-helpful-practices-to-manage-stress-and-anxiety
Stress – The H.U.M.AN.S. Initiative. https://www.humansinitiative.org/stress/
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
1
