I’ve tended to use these terms interchangeably until my therapist partner explained their differences. Stress comes when we can’t, or think we can’t, fulfil a task or meet an expectation that is a part of our day to day life. I feel the effects of stressful situations in my body, the tensing of muscles and nerves. I am stressed out, for example, when I’m focused on writing out a thought and someone(s) keep texting me on my I-phone.
Anxiety is a more complex emotional/psychological/sentient experience. Anxiety can be a fear reaction to the potential of growth when the status quo of engrained beliefs in ourselves is threatened by new possibilities. Example: I was brought up to believe that my blood family was the model for all essential relationships in my life. Yet the “family” I most rely on is my chosen, created family of supportive others. Though I have struggled all of my life to understand and honor whatever supportive aspects do exist in both types of families, recognizing that all close-knit groups have to continually be checking themselves so as to be nurturing and supportive to all members, I still feel the incredible pull of consciousness instilled in me by my original blood family. My parents fed and nurtured me from the beginning; they were my original care-takers and models. They sacrificed for my education, giving me opportunities to develop skills in many areas. When I look in the mirror, sometimes I see see them smiling back at me; and sometimes they are frowning.
Jeri Hilderley 