Understanding the Difference Between Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can often be used interchangeably, but knowing the difference can help you identify what you’re feeling.

Stress is often caused by a particular external factor. For example, if you have an exam coming up, a busy project, or a difficult conversation. Often, stress will reduce when the situation has been resolved.

Anxiety can often persist even when there is no immediate threat. This can cause you to worry, overthink, feel on edge, and/or catastrophise.

Both stress and anxiety are completely normal to experience as humans. However, if they begin to affect your sleep, relationships, concentration, or daily life, then it may be worth seeking some extra support.

In therapy, we can work on understanding what causes your stress and anxiety, identifying any underlying thought patterns, and developing some tools to help manage your feelings. Tools such as grounding, mindfulness, and CBT can help you manage your stress and anxiety.

You don’t have to do this alone! We encourage you to give yourself space to feel your emotions and ask for support.