What is the difference between anxiety and stress?

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How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Both stress and anxiety are a natural part of the fight or flight response and the body’s reaction to danger. They have similar bodily reactions and symptoms. Because of this, it can be hard to differentiate between the two. In this article, we will learn the difference between the two conditions.

What is stress?

The WHO defines stress as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It is the body’s reaction or response to any kind of demand or pressure you feel in life. Stress can have a significant impact on a person’s health. When a person experiences stress, their body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which trigger the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. Prolonged stress can even lead to depression.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotional state characterized by a sense of apprehension, worry, and discomfort. It can manifest physically as increased perspiration, restlessness and tension, and an accelerated heartbeat.

How do stress and anxiety differ from each other?

Stress is a response to a change, and it is caused by a stress-causing factor (stressor). Stress, in most cases, tends to be a short-term episode, while anxiety can linger for a longer period. Stress can lead to mental and physical symptoms, such as irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive troubles, and difficulty sleeping. While stress may not be cured or completely eliminated from our lives, many strategies and techniques can be used to manage and reduce stress. On the contrary, anxiety is a symptom caused due to the excessive adrenalin that may get released in your body when you are stressed. When you experience chronic or long-term stress, it can lead to anxiety. 

Anxiety can be triggered by a stressful situation, but it persists even after the stressor has been removed. Anxiety can also occur without a specific trigger. While stress and anxiety share some similar physical and emotional symptoms, anxiety can also manifest in other ways, such as obsessive thoughts, avoidance behaviour, and panic attacks. However, it is not necessary that if you experience stress, you will experience anxiety. Remember, both these conditions can overwhelm people. If you experience that it is interfering with your daily life, you must speak to a doctor.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does anxiety differ from stress?
Anxiety can be a consequence of stress. Stress is a normal coping response to a challenge or change in life. When it occurs in the long term, it can lead to anxiety in some individuals and further, to symptoms like dizziness and even panic attacks.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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