Stress is typically a response to an external event or trigger, such as work, an exam, a fight with a loved-one, discrimination, chronic illness, unemployment, divorce, or even an upcoming move. When our stress levels go up, we may experience irritability, muscle tension, fatigue, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances.

 

Anxiety, on the other hand, is defined by persistent and excessive worries that occur even when the stressor has gone. The symptoms and sensations of anxiety are very similar to those of stress, and can also include fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, impaired sleep, etc.

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Panic attacks, unlike anxiety and stress, are short bursts of intense fear notably with increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, feeling of choking, or being smothered, and nausea.