Stress, Anxiety, & Depression: Learn The Basic Differences

Stress, anxiety, and depression are terms we often hear. But they’re usually misunderstood and wrongly used. While they may seem similar, they represent different emotional and physical experiences. Differentiating between these is important because each requires a unique approach to manage effectively and look after your mental well-being. In this article, we’ll break down stress, anxiety, and depression, explaining how they impact well-being and how to even take control of these mental health issues. Read on.

What Is Stress?

Stress is a physiological and psychological response to the demands or challenges placed on the body or mind. These ‘demands’ are also known as stressors. It’s typically triggered by external pressures like work deadlines, exams, relationship issues, or more. When faced with stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing you to either fight or flee in response to the perceived threat. 

Prolonged stress leads to chronic stress which has physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and more. It also causes emotional exhaustion, making you overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily responsibilities.

Example: You have a big presentation tomorrow. The racing heartbeat, sleeplessness, and sense of urgency to get everything perfect is an indication of stress. Your body feels tense, and concentration levels may be hampered. The feeling fades once the situation passes, but it’s intense while it lasts.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is different from stress. It’s chronic and doesn’t always have an immediate external cause. It involves excessive, often irrational worry about potential future events, many of which may never occur! Overthinking much? Probably. People with anxiety experience heightened alertness, racing thoughts, and an overwhelming sense of fear or dread. 

The physical symptoms of anxiety include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, or dry mouth. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent anxiety can interfere with daily activities. It can make concentrating, sleeping, and even performing simple tasks difficult. Anxiety can be triggered by stress but, unlike stress, doesn’t always have a clear or identifiable source.

Example: Now, you're preparing for the presentation but feel a constant fear that something will go wrong like forgetting your words or being judged on your performance. You might have trouble concentrating due to constant worry, have sweaty palms, or shortness of breath. This is anxiety. The dread may linger even after the presentation is over or in the days leading up to it. It’s hard to shake off.

What Is Depression?

Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave. Therefore, it is a mood disorder. It’s marked by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, and can deeply impact daily life. Unlike stress or anxiety, depression is often not triggered by specific events. Instead, it feels like an overwhelming, all-encompassing heaviness that clouds everything. Depression can cause a lack of interest in things once enjoyed, difficulty in social interactions, and feelings of worthlessness. It also has physical symptoms, such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.

Example: This time you wake up on the morning of the presentation and feel completely drained! There is no energy left to face the day let alone stand in front of your team to give a presentation. You might also feel disconnected from others or as though you’re just going through the motions, with little desire to do anything. There is a lack of interest in participating in the activities you enjoyed or found pleasurable. This is depression.

In basic terms, stress is a response to life’s demands, anxiety is a constant feeling of worry, and depression is a deep sense of hopelessness. 

InnerGize To Save The Day!

If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, taking proactive steps toward healing is crucial. One such step is investing in mental health wearables like InnerGize! It monitors your vagal tone and regulates your parasympathetic system, helping you relax. Through personalized 10-minute sessions that stimulate your vagus nerve, it prepares you to take on your day, presentation, or any challenge with confidence. It is a holistic approach to enhancing emotional resilience and managing daily pressures. InnerGize provides relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices that can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making it easier to cope with life's challenges. 

By understanding the distinctions between stress and anxiety, you can take control of your mental health in the right direction. With the right approach, you can build resilience, reduce anxiety, and move toward a more peaceful, fulfilling life, and InnerGize is here to do the same.