It can be hard to tell the difference between stress and an anxiety disorder because they can look similar.

Here are some key differences:

Stress:

• Happens because of certain situations or problems.
• The symptoms usually go away once the situation is fixed.

Anxiety Disorder:

• Stays around for a long time and doesn’t just go away.
• Symptoms might show up even when there is no clear reason for them.

Challenges:

• People often don’t notice when they are having symptoms.
• Some might feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help.

Solutions:

• Learn more about mental health and how it works.
• Talking to a professional, like a therapist or counselor, can help. They can help figure out if you’re dealing with stress or an anxiety disorder.