Anxiety vs Stress: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Most people use the words stress and anxiety as if they mean the same thing. And on the surface, they feel similar. The racing thoughts, the tightness in the chest, the inability to switch off. But stress and anxiety are not the same thing. They have different causes, different mechanisms, and critically, different optimal responses. Learn More: https://psychologist2go.com/anxiety-vs-stress-whats-the-difference/