Do I Have Anxiety or Am I Just Stressed? Signs, Symptoms & What to Do
How Do I Know If I Have Anxiety or I'm Just Stressed?
Understanding the Difference and When to Seek Help
Life is full of challenges, responsibilities, and unexpected twists—and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time. But how do you know if what you're experiencing is everyday stress… or something more like anxiety?
At Spaces Therapy, we often hear this question from clients who are trying to make sense of how they feel. Let’s break down the differences between stress and anxiety, and how to know when it might be time to reach out for support.
Stress vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Stress is a natural response to an external cause—like a looming deadline, a job interview, or family conflict. It usually goes away once the situation is resolved. You might feel tense, irritable, or have trouble sleeping, but the cause is typically identifiable.
Anxiety, on the other hand, often persists even when the immediate stressor is gone. It can show up without a clear reason, and it tends to linger or even grow over time. Anxiety is more about how your mind and body react to stress—and sometimes, the reaction itself becomes the problem.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Stress
You know what’s causing your feelings
Symptoms ease when the stressful situation ends
Trouble sleeping, headaches, muscle tension
Short-term irritability or difficulty concentrating
Signs You May Be Experiencing Anxiety
Worry that feels excessive or hard to control
Racing thoughts even when things seem “fine”
Physical symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, or stomach issues
Avoiding situations out of fear something “might” happen
Trouble relaxing even when you're not under pressure
Symptoms lasting for weeks or months
A Helpful Analogy on Stress vs Anxiety
Think of stress as a smoke alarm that goes off when there’s actual smoke. It’s loud and unpleasant, but it’s trying to help you take action. Anxiety, however, is like a smoke alarm that keeps going off—whether there’s smoke or not.
When Should I Seek Help?
If your thoughts, feelings, or physical symptoms are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or ability to enjoy things, it’s worth checking in with a mental health professional. Anxiety is common—and also very treatable.
You don’t have to “wait until things get worse” to talk to someone. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just unsure, support is always available.
You’re Not Alone
At Spaces Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, and everything in between. Our therapists are here to listen, support, and work with you on practical tools to feel more in control and more like yourself again.
Need someone to talk to?
Reach out to us to Book a consultation. If you have questions about our services or how we can support you, reach out to us. We’re here when you’re ready