What’s the Difference?

Many people come to therapy asking some version of the same question: “Do I have anxiety?”
Part of the confusion is that stress, anxiety, and panic are often used interchangeably — even though they’re different experiences in the body and nervous system.

Understanding the difference can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and know when anxiety therapy might be helpful.

Stress: a response to external pressure

Stress is typically connected to something specific and external — deadlines, conflict, health concerns, or major life changes.

Stress often looks like:

• Feeling tense or overwhelmed
• Trouble relaxing
• Irritability or fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping during busy periods

Stress usually decreases when the situation improves or when you rest. While uncomfortable, it’s a normal nervous system response. Therapy can certainly help, but stress isn’t necessarily chronic or ongoing and can resolve with a change in circumstances.

Anxiety: when the nervous system stays on high alert

Anxiety goes beyond situational stress. It’s a state of ongoing nervous system activation, even when there’s no immediate threat.

Anxiety may include:

• Persistent worry or rumination
• Physical symptoms like chest tightness, shakiness, or stomach issues
• Hypervigilance or fear of bodily sensations (read my post about health anxiety here)
• Difficulty feeling calm even when things are “fine”

Anxiety often feels confusing because the body reacts as if something is wrong, even when the mind can’t pinpoint why. This is where many people start wondering, “Do I have anxiety?”

Panic: a surge of intense fear

Panic is a sudden, intense spike of fear that often comes with strong physical sensations.

Panic attacks can include:

• Racing heart or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or trembling
• Chest tightness or pain 
• A fear of losing control or something bad happening

Panic is frightening, but not dangerous. Many people with panic also experience anxiety between attacks — often worrying about when the next one will happen.

Why these experiences overlap

Stress, anxiety, and panic are all driven by the nervous system. They exist on a spectrum rather than as separate boxes. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety. Anxiety can increase the likelihood of panic occurring. And people experience these brain states in widely different ways.

This overlap is why symptoms can shift over time — and why reassurance alone often doesn’t resolve them.

How anxiety therapy can help

Effective anxiety therapy doesn’t just label symptoms — it helps you understand why your nervous system is reacting the way it is.

As an anxiety therapist in Lawrence, KS, I work with clients to:

• Identify nervous system patterns driving anxiety or panic
• Reduce fear of physical sensations
• Build internal safety and emotional flexibility
• Address underlying stress and trauma responses

The goal isn’t to eliminate all stress or anxiety, but to help your system feel steadier and more resilient.

You’re not broken — you’re responding

If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or panic, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means your nervous system has been working hard to protect you.

With the right support, those responses can soften — and life can feel more manageable again. Want to connect about starting therapy? Message me here and let’s chat.