Many people often use stress, anxiety, and depression thinking they are the same, but they affect our brain and body in very different ways. Understanding the difference can help us respond better and know when to seek support.
Stress is a response to an external pressure such as exams, deadlines, or work overload. It triggers the HPA axis, that results in cortisol release to help us stay alert. Stress in short-term can be useful, but chronic stress can change our brain over time by shrinking the prefrontal cortex and enlarging the amygdala leading to mood swings, poor concentration, and sleep issues (Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2007).
Anxiety is more of an internal issue, as it is a persistent or continuous feeling of worry/ fear, sometimes even without a clear reason. It is linked to overactivity in the amygdala and insula, along with imbalances in GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin (Journal of Neuroscience Research, 2020). Anxiety often lingers, affecting one’s ability to relax, focus, or feel safe.
Depression goes beyond sadness; it involves deep and ongoing loss of interest, low energy, and hopelessness. Brain scans of people with depression, show reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus region of the brain, and chemical changes in dopamine, serotonin, and inflammation markers like IL-6 (Biological Psychiatry, 2016). It can make even small tasks feel overwhelming and can result in social isolation.
When you are not feeling ok, how do you figure out what you are really experiencing - stress, anxiety, or depression?
How do cultural/family beliefs influence how you talk about or manage mental health?
Do you think stress is more socially accepted than anxiety or depression and what can be the reason?
@Tejaswini.V Yes, this distinction is very important, so that in our surrounding when one is suffering, we exactly can pinpoint what they are going through and how we can help.
To be honest, in my opinion stress is viewed to be more normal and even an act of honour in society, but anxiousness and depression are rarely addressed. Stress is often associated with studies or work, thus people have a healthier view of it.
Yes it’s important to know the difference between these three… Stress is common now a days. Say in personal or work place, people undergo stress factor. Anxiety is very rare based on situation. Depression is something that needs to be addressed with supervision.
What is it called when you are at a state feeling sad and lonely even when you are with your family members and also feeling like you want to talk to someone about whats going on, but unable ?
@drminnath maybe a sign of “emotional compression” leading to loneliness, where one doesn’t feel emotionally safe around family, but because of the emotional overwhelm inside, still wants to talk about the issue/concern with someone who will not judge or give any advices, maybe just listen and understand and just be there alongside.
This was a good dive into the fundamental differences between the three, it will make us treat ourselves and others more kindly during such situations. Thank You for sharing!