Anxiety & stress are similar in numerous ways, with one or two crucial differences. Both are emotional responses to pressures of everyday life or childhood traumas. Additionally, the symptoms in most cases are the same, be it physical or emotional. Both can influence, to a great extent, the quality of life experienced by an individual. Read on to know the differences between anxiety & stress, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and the different types: 

Anxiety & Stress – Difference between the two
Causes 
A person experiences stress when caused by an external factor or trigger. For example, you are likely to be stressed when there’s a deadline to meet at work or when you have a fight with your loved ones.   

Anxiety is a person’s reaction to internal stress. So, when stress is induced externally, anxiety lurks in. A person prone to anxiety is inclined to worry excessively, without any stress or triggers. The feeling of apprehension persists even if things are not as bad.  

Duration 
In most cases, the trigger for stress is short-term. That is why stress itself, in most people, does not persist for too long.   

Anxiety is usually a persistent problem and can become a long-term menace if not addressed well in time. Severe anxiety-related issues can become a full-fledged disorder called an anxiety disorder. It is one of the most common mental afflictions among people in the country.  

Risk factors
Risk factors for stress include
Early childhood trauma
Bullying
Witnessing violence
People with sleeping disorders
Unhealthy eating habits
Lack of physical activities and exercises
The risk factors of anxiety include
Buildup of stress
A serious illness
People with mental health disorders
Personality traits
Childhood trauma

How to   deal with the issue?
One of the best ways to handle stress is to address the stimulators head-on. When the source of the stress is addressed effectively and immediately, most people can go about their daily work without much difficulty. In case it persists, and as a result, the stress is prolonged, individuals can try methods like meditation, breathing exercises, taking a break, visiting family and friends, etc.   

Dealing with mild anxiety is similar to dealing with stress. Regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, nutritious meals, modifying sleep routine, etc., can make a difference. However, if anxiousness persists and seems to be developing into a long-term issue, these techniques alone will not yield results. The individual will need professional help to recover from the disorder.  

Anxiety & Stress – Symptoms 
Differentiating between the two becomes difficult because the symptoms are more or less the same.   

Some of the common physical and emotional symptoms include:
Headaches
Sleeping difficulties or disorders. In some cases, insomnia
Muscle tension and pain
Tiredness and fatigue
Increased heartbeat and heavy breathing
Digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea
Anger issues
Irritability & restlessness
Difficulty focusing on work or studies.  

Additional symptoms of stress include feeling unhappy generally. Anxiety can result in causing a feeling of constant dread, sweating profusely without any reason, and a feeling of nervousness.  

Anxiety & Stress – Types 
Anxiety manifests in various forms. Some of these are:
Panic disorder:  Panic attacks are a common form of anxiety when one worries constantly. The attacks are followed by palpitations, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.  

Agoraphobia:  It is the fear of being in public places and is another common anxiety-related disorder.   

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):  It is caused by the persistent feeling of anxiety even when there is nothing to worry about. In such cases, the individual cannot keep their anxious thoughts under control. About 31% of the people in the country experience this disorder in their lifespan.  

Social phobia:  People with social phobia avoid everyday social interactions because of anxiety and fear of being judged.  

Selective mutism:  It is a severe anxiety disorder experienced by kids who are incapable of speaking under given social circumstances.  

Separation anxiety disorder:  It is also experienced by kids who are troubled with the thought of being separated from their parents.  

Types of stress
Acute stress:  It is the most common stress type. It happens to almost everyone and is generally not harmful. However, if it persists for a long time, it can cause harm.

Chronic stress:  It is when the stress continues for a long time. This will negatively affect the person’s health and lead to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, etc.  

Episodic acute stress:  It is a type where the person experiences repeated acute stress. It can affect the physical and mental health of the person.  

In either case, if changing your lifestyle, food, and physical activities is not making much headway, it is best to consult an expert mental health professional or a psychologist.