In everyday conversations, people regularly say they feel ‘stressed’ or ‘anxious’ interchangeably, especially during difficult and overwhelming periods. But while stress and anxiety can feel very similar, there are important differences between them.

Understanding these differences can help us better recognise what we’re experiencing, why it may be happening and when additional support may be helpful.

Stress is usually linked to an external cause or situation. It’s the body’s natural response to pressure, challenge or perceived danger.

Common causes of stress can include –

• Work pressure – Heavy workloads, long hours, difficult environments or feeling constantly under pressure can all contribute to stress building over time.
• Financial worries – Concerns around money, debt, rising living costs or financial uncertainty can create ongoing emotional strain and anxiety about the future.
• Exams or deadlines – Periods of intense pressure or high expectations can leave us feeling overwhelmed, particularly when there’s little time to rest or switch off.
• Relationship difficulties – Arguments, breakdowns in communication, loneliness or changes within relationships can have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing.
• Family responsibilities – Caring responsibilities, parenting pressures or managing difficult family situations can become emotionally and physically exhausting over time.
• Health concerns – Worrying about your own health or the health of someone you care about can create uncertainty, fear and ongoing stress.
• Major life changes – Big transitions such as moving house, changing jobs, experiencing loss or adjusting to new circumstances can feel emotionally overwhelming, even when the change is positive.

Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure, challenge or danger. In small amounts, it can actually be helpful, keeping us focused, alert and motivated.

When this happens, the body activates its ‘fight or flight’ response and releases adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to deal with pressure by increasing things like heart rate, muscle tension and alertness.

Usually, these physical and emotional responses begin to settle once the stressful situation has passed. However, when stress becomes ongoing or overwhelming, our body can remain in a prolonged state of high alert, which can affect both physical and mental wellbeing more significantly.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry or unease that can linger even when there isn’t an immediate or obvious cause.

While stress is typically connected to a specific situation, anxiety can continue long after a stressful event has passed. It can involve –

• Persistent overthinking – Anxiety can lead us to repeatedly analyse situations, conversations or worries, making it difficult to switch our thoughts off.
• Feeling constantly on edge – Feeling tense, unsettled or as though something bad is about to happen, even during calm moments.
• Expecting worst-case scenarios – We can anticipate negative outcomes or imagine situations going wrong before they’ve happened.
• Difficulty relaxing – Even during rest or downtime, anxiety can make it hard for the mind and body to fully relax or feel settled.
• Racing thoughts – Thoughts may feel fast, overwhelming or difficult to control.
• Avoidance behaviours – Some people begin avoiding situations, places or conversations that trigger feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
• Physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or chest tightness – Anxiety can also create physical symptoms throughout the body, which can sometimes feel frightening or exhausting over time.

Occasional anxiety is a normal human experience. However, anxiety can become more serious when it starts affecting everyday life, relationships, work or the ability to feel safe and calm.

Stress and anxiety aren’t just emotional experiences. They can also have very real physical effects on the body.

Common physical symptoms can include –

• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Chest tightness
• Nausea or digestive issues
• Fatigue
• Racing heart
• Dizziness
• Sleep problems
• Changes in appetite

For many people, these symptoms can feel frightening, particularly if they appear suddenly or persist over time.

The body is designed to react physically to stress and perceived danger. However, when the nervous system remains in a prolonged state of high alert, physical symptoms can become more noticeable and exhausting.

If these symptoms begin affecting your daily life, continue for long periods or feel difficult to manage alone, it may be a good time to speak to a GP or seek additional mental health support.

Stress and anxiety are separate experiences, but they can also become closely connected over time.

When stress continues for long periods without enough rest, recovery or support, the nervous system can remain in a constant state of alertness. Over time, this can make it harder for the body and mind to relax fully, even once the original stress has reduced.

For some people, chronic stress can gradually develop into anxiety.

Someone who initially felt stressed about work, finances or family pressures may begin experiencing ongoing worry, difficulty sleeping, physical symptoms or fear around situations that previously felt manageable.

This is another reason why recognising the difference between stress and anxiety early can be so important. Addressing stress before it becomes overwhelming can help reduce the longer-term impact on mental wellbeing.

Stress and anxiety are both very common human experiences, particularly during difficult or uncertain periods.

However, support may be helpful if symptoms begin affecting your daily life, relationships, sleep, work or overall wellbeing.

Here are a list of organisations who may be able to support –

1. The Laura Centre – The Laura Centre provides specialist bereavement support for children, young people and adults who have experienced the death of a parent, child or sibling. Grief can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety, and our charity offers counselling and emotional support to help families process loss in a safe, supportive environment.
2. Anxiety UK – Anxiety UK provides information, resources and support for people experiencing anxiety, stress, panic attacks and anxiety-related conditions.
3. Shout – Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or struggling to cope.
4. NHS – NHS services and GPs can provide support for ongoing stress and anxiety, including access to talking therapies, counselling and mental health support services where appropriate.
5. Mind – Mind offers information and support for a wide range of mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression.

Whether you’re experiencing ongoing stress, anxiety or a combination of both, it’s important to remember that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing – and support is available if things begin to feel too heavy to manage alone.