From the outside looking in, it can be difficult to spot the differences between stress and anxiety and when to seek professional help. "Both can lead to sleepless nights, exhaustion, excessive worry, lack of focus, and irritability," explains Carlton. "Even physical symptoms—including rapid heart rate, muscle tension, and headaches—can impact both people experiencing stress and those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder." With symptoms that can appear interchangeable, make sure to watch out for the below, according to Hafeez:
1. Irritability
2. Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable to you
3. Hopelessness
4. Persistent thoughts of something bad happening
5. Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
6. In very severe cases, psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations or delusions)
7. Inability to take care of yourself, such as making sure to eat, bathe, or fulfill family or work responsibilities