Is it stress or something more?
On the surface, it can be difficult to tell the difference between stress and anxiety. These terms are often used interchangeably when we talk about feelings of worry or dread. While stress and anxiety share many symptoms, they are two distinct conditions.
Stress
Stress is a typical reaction that everyone experiences at some point. Stress is often brought about by external factors that can be positive or negative: perhaps you’re struggling with school, or maybe you’re getting ready for a new job. These external circumstances are what trigger the physical symptoms associated with stress. However, because they are related to a specific situation or problem, these symptoms usually go away once the issue has been resolved. Additionally, symptoms tend to be proportional to what you would expect given the specific situation or problem that you’re facing. For instance, if you’ve been losing sleep over an important exam, you can expect your symptoms to go away after you’ve turned in your test, as if a weight has been lifted.
While stress can cause disruption and a sense of uneasiness to our lives, it can also be a positive force. Many times, stress is what drives us to push ourselves to go to the next or finish an assignment we’ve been putting off.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an atypical reaction that is often internally driven. Anxiety can often come about unexpectedly, seemingly for no reason. While anxiety can be triggered by specific situations or events, similar to stress, the response tends to be stronger or disproportionate to what has happened. More so, anxiety-related symptoms often persist after the circumstance has resolved and can feel difficult to manage long-term. This often causes people experiencing anxiety to avoid situations or activities that may trigger their anxiety or cause symptoms to worsen.
Anxiety can also present itself with more serious or frightening symptoms, such as panic attacks, an abrupt sense of fear or discomfort that often feels like a heart attack. While not everyone with anxiety experiences panic attacks, they are unique to anxiety, and are not a symptom of stress.
Symptoms to look out for
As mentioned, stress and anxiety share a wide range of physical symptoms. Additionally, these conditions are not mutually exclusive: you can experience anxiety and stress at the same time. Here are some physical symptoms to look out for if you think you may be experiencing stress or anxiety. Remember that the duration, persistence and overall intensity of these symptoms may provide clues as to which condition you’re experiencing.
- Headaches, feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint
- Difficulties sleeping, fatigue
- Upset stomach or pain
- Tension, back or neck pain
- Sweaty palms
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of concentration, overactive thoughts
- Forgetfulness
- Low energy
- Irritability
- Panic attacks (anxiety only)
Resources
If you are having a difficult time managing your stress or anxiety, Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is here to help. They offer a variety of free services to students experiencing stress and anxiety, including:
- Anxiety Toolbox is a free workshop that teaches life-long tools to help students cope during anxiety-triggering situations. Participants will leave with valuable skills to help them better manage and reduce anxiety.
- Feel Better Fast is a free workshop that can help students make positive changes in their lives. The workshop focuses on mindfulness techniques and coping strategies.
- Let’s Talk is a free service where students can access informal and confidential consultations with counselors across campus. Let’s Talk counselors can provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources.
- SilverCloud is a free online program that provides information and tips to help students manage stress, anxiety and depression.