How stress often works
Stress is usually a response to pressure: a workload, money concern, relationship conflict, health scare, deadline, or major life change. The feeling may rise when the demand is active and ease when the demand resolves or becomes more manageable. Stress can still be serious. Chronic stress can wear on mood, sleep, patience, and physical wellbeing.
How anxiety can feel different
Anxiety often involves worry, dread, tension, racing thoughts, avoidance, or physical alarm that may not match the immediate situation. Sometimes there is a trigger. Other times the body feels on alert before the mind knows why. Anxiety may also continue after the stressful event is over, or it may focus on what could happen rather than what is happening now.
When to get support
Consider support if stress or anxiety is affecting sleep, work, school, relationships, concentration, appetite, or your sense of safety. A therapist or healthcare professional can help sort out what is happening and what kind of support fits. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or include chest pain, fainting, or trouble breathing, it is wise to seek medical evaluation.