Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can feel really similar, but they’re not exactly the same. Both can leave you feeling overwhelmed, tense, or exhausted—and might cause things like trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, or difficulty focusing. But they show up in different ways.

Stress usually has a clear cause—like exams, work pressure, relationship issues, or family tension. Once that stressful situation passes, the stress often fades. But when stress sticks around—like constant school demands or ongoing personal struggles—it can start to feel never-ending.

Anxiety, on the other hand, doesn’t always have a clear reason. It’s more about a constant sense of unease, fear, or dread. Sometimes it starts with worrying about one thing—like failing a test or disappointing someone—and then spreads. You might find yourself always waiting for something bad to happen, even when nothing specific is wrong. That kind of fear can feel really vulnerable, and over time, it can start to affect other parts of your life—school, friendships, sleep, or even your confidence.

The thing is, a little stress or anxiety isn’t always bad. It can push you to prepare for things, stay alert, or get stuff done. But when it becomes intense, constant, or starts interfering with your life, it’s worth getting support. Therapy can help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface and give you real tools to manage anxiety in healthier, more empowering ways.