The difference between Fear, Anxiety & Stress

Many people tend to find it difficult to differentiate between fear, anxiety and stress. Although all experiences are quite normal, it is important to know the difference so you can seek the most appropriate support if necessary.

Here are a few defining features of the three experiences:  

• Fear: the emotion you experience when you are actually in a dangerous situation. 
• Stress: your body’s response to a specific trigger or stressor. It is often characterised by a sense of feeling overwhelmed. The body’s reaction is generally short term and temporary.
• Anxiety: an emotional response to a perceived threat. It is a sense of dread that something terrible is going to happen

Fear and stress:

• is normal and everyone experiences it at times 
• is not dangerous. It may feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t last long and is temporary 

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​Anxiety: 

• is adaptive. It helps us prepare for real danger or for performing at our best 
• can become a problem when our body reacts as if it is in danger where there are no real threats 

There are three components that contribute to feeling anxious:

1. Thoughts (what we say to ourselves) 
2. Physical feelings (how our bodies respond) 
3. Behaviours (what we do/our actions) 

 
We have fear and anxiety in non life-threatening situations because of the way we interpret the situation. 

If you are struggling with fear, stress or anxiety and are needing some support, please contact the clinic to book in an appointment with one of our psychologists

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