Is It Anxiety or Just Stress? How to Tell the Difference—and Why It Matters

We’ve all said it: “I’m so stressed out.” But sometimes, what we’re calling stress might actually be anxiety—and that difference matters more than you might think.

Both stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming. They can mess with your sleep, spike your heart rate, and make everyday tasks feel impossible. But they don’t come from the same place, and knowing which one you’re dealing with is the first step toward getting the right kind of support.

Stress vs. Anxiety: The Core Difference

• Stress is usually tied to a specific external cause—an upcoming deadline, a tough conversation, or financial pressure. Once the situation resolves, the stress often goes away.
• Anxiety, on the other hand, doesn’t always need a clear reason. It’s persistent, internal, and often shows up even when nothing obvious is going on. It can feel like worry without an off-switch.

Stress is typically caused by external factors like work or financial pressure. It’s often short-term and goes away when the source of the stress is resolved. Anxiety, in contrast, is more internal and long-lasting. It can be triggered without a specific cause and may interfere with your ability to function daily.

The Importance of Intensity and Frequency

Another way to gauge whether you’re dealing with anxiety or stress is to consider the intensity and frequency of your emotional response. If you’re having a disproportionate, out-of-context, or unrelenting response to something, it could be a signal that additional support is needed—whether that’s help for stress or clinical anxiety.

For example, if the intensity of your reaction to a situation is far greater than what’s warranted or if your worry feels constant and overwhelming, it’s a sign that what you’re feeling might go beyond ordinary stress. This can be a key indicator that it’s time to seek support.

Why It Matters

If you’re dealing with stress, lifestyle shifts and time management might be enough. But if it’s anxiety, the strategies need to go deeper—like learning emotional regulation, challenging intrusive thoughts, or developing healthier coping mechanisms through therapy.

Ignoring anxiety can allow it to escalate, sometimes developing into disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety.

For a detailed breakdown of anxiety disorders, check out this resource from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

When to Seek Help

Here are some signs it might be more than stress:

• You worry constantly—even when things are fine
• You avoid situations out of fear
• Physical symptoms like a tight chest, racing heart, or headaches are frequent
• You can’t seem to calm your mind, even during downtime

If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone—and help is available.

At Tete Therapy, we specialize in working with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck in cycles of worry, or unsure where to begin. Our therapists create a safe, supportive space to help you better understand what you’re feeling and build tools to move forward.

Learn more about our anxiety therapy approach here.