What Is the Difference Between Stress & Anxiety?
Stress and anxiety are two distinct emotional and physiological states, but they can be interconnected and may share similar symptoms. The main difference between the two is that stress is usually a response to external factors, while anxiety is often a more internal and persistent feeling of worry or unease that may not have an obvious cause.
Stress is Caused by External Factors, Anxiety is Occurs Internally
Differences Between Stress & Anxiety
Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, such as work-related pressures, money issues, relationship issues, or major life changes. The distinction is that stress is a natural response to challenges and pressures of life, and it can be positive or negative. Positive stress, can motivate and energize us, while negative stress, can lead to physical, emotional, and psychological problems.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a type of persistent worry or fear that often feels uncontrollable and interferes with daily activities. It's a state of excessive and irrational worry about everyday situations, events, or activities, often accompanied by physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, and muscle tension. In many cases anxiety is a symptom of experiencing trauma.
Stress is a normal part of life and can often be managed with self-care and stress-reduction techniques. Anxiety disorders can be more severe and may require professional treatment, such as therapy and medication.
Managing stress and anxiety on your own is possible, but it can be beneficial to seek professional help if your symptoms are severe or persistent. A licensed mental health professional can provide additional tools and support to help you manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
A Few Ways Therapy for Anxiety Can Help…
Identifying triggers: A therapist can help you identify the specific situations or events that trigger your stress or anxiety. Once you identify your triggers, you can work on strategies to cope with them more effectively.
Developing coping skills: A therapist can teach you coping skills that can help you manage your stress and anxiety. These may include techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
Changing negative thought patterns: Negative thoughts can contribute to anxiety and stress. A therapist can help you identify and challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic ones.
Setting goals: A therapist can help you set realistic goals for managing your stress and anxiety. This can help you stay motivated and focused on making progress.
Providing support: A therapist can provide emotional support and validation, which can be helpful in managing stress and anxiety.
Providing a safe space: Therapy provides a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, which can be especially helpful for people who may not have other supportive people in their lives.
Anxiety Doesn’t Have to Run Your Life
You are not alone. We have therapists who can help.
What should I do if I’m interested in starting Anxiety Therapy in the San Francisco bay area? Or online in California?
Both EMDR therapy & Brainspotting therapy are very different from talk therapy, though have proved successful in treating anxiety. You may have additional questions about how Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or Brainspotting can help you in particular. We can answer your questions! If you're interested in starting counseling at Empowered Mind Therapy follow these steps:
Get in touch with our Client Care Coordinator at 925-257-0205 or book your free consultation
Start working with an Anxiety therapist
Get started on your healing journey and finally feel better.
Other Services We Offer in the San Francisco Bay Area
We offer a variety of counseling services for women of color. This includes relief and support for trauma, depression, and relationship issues. Additionally, EMDR therapy isn’t the only form of counseling that we offer. Our caring therapists also offer Brainspotting and Intensive Therapy Programs.
All of these services are available in person at our Walnut Creek, CA-based therapy practice or online throughout California.