Anxiety vs. Concern: Is There Such a Thing as ‘Good Stress’?

Stress and anxious feelings are an unavoidable part of life. However, people tend to use the word “anxiety” as a blanket term for any feelings of worry. There is another way to describe these feelings: concern. Anxiety and concern are two different ways to respond to potential problems. Concern can help you feel motivated and energized when faced with solvable problems or challenges. 

Many people often ask, ‘What is the difference between anxiety and concern?’ as they seek to understand how stress impacts their lives positively and negatively. Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), made a clear distinction between anxiety and concern that can be used as a framework for understanding each emotional response. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between anxiety and concern, how to recognize these different feelings, and what causes them. We’ll also go over techniques for reducing anxious feelings in your life.

What is Concern?

Concern is a rational, healthy response to a potential problem. It motivates problem-solving and constructive action without overwhelming the individual. Concern acknowledges risk but keeps it in perspective: “This is important, and I’ll do what I can about it.” It is usually proportionate to the situation and does not impair functioning.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety, in Ellis’s terms, is an irrational exaggeration of threat. It is rooted in absolutistic thinking, such as: “I must not fail, and it would be awful if I did.” Unlike concern, anxiety often paralyzes action, fuels avoidance, and escalates into catastrophizing. It is more about demanding certainty and safety than about addressing the issue realistically.

Concern vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?

So, what is a significant difference between anxiety and concern? Put simply, concern and anxiety are different ways to respond when presented with a potential problem. 

• Concern = “I hope this doesn’t happen, but if it does, I can stand it and deal with it.”
• Anxiety = “This must not happen, and if it does, it would be unbearable.”

Ellis often emphasized that anxiety isn’t caused by external events themselves, but by our rigid and catastrophic beliefs about those events. Healthy concern accepts uncertainty; anxiety demands certainty and overestimates danger.

Whether you experience concern or anxiety in the face of adversity also greatly depends on how you feel about yourself and your life at the time the feeling occurs. For example, people with high self-esteem, a good support system, and the resources they need to solve a problem might be more likely to respond to a difficult situation with concern, regardless of the nature of the issue. However, people with low self-confidence, a lack of a support system, or a lack of resources might be prone to experiencing feelings of anxiety, no matter the nature of the problem.

As we come to understand these two different types of emotional responses, we can see that it’s sometimes challenging to compare and contrast anxiety and concern. Neither one consistently corresponds with the same triggers, symptoms, or circumstances, because other factors can influence the type of stress we feel. But there is still value in being conscious of how you respond to stressful situation and when you experience these emotions.

5 Strategies to Minimize Feelings of Anxiety

Now that we’ve covered the differences between anxiety and concern, hopefully, you can start recognizing symptoms of anxious feelings in your life and begin to manage them. While we can’t avoid anxiousness entirely, we can find ways to minimize it. Understanding these approaches is essential because chronic stress can lead to serious health problems. Below are steps you can take to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in your life.

1. Break Down Challenges

Breaking challenges into small, attainable goals can make problems that seem insurmountable feel more manageable. So, give yourself a realistic to-do list for every day. As you check things off your list, you’ll boost your self-esteem and feel more competent moving forward. 

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Remember that thoughts are not facts; they only have as much power as we give them. So, when you notice a negative thought pops up, practice challenging that thought. For example, if the thought, “I can’t deal with difficult problems,” comes up, challenge yourself to remember a time you handled a problem quite well. 

Deciding which thoughts we give weight to and which ones we silence is an integral part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been proven to boost positive thinking. We proudly offer this life-changing form of therapy at Citron Hennessey.

3. Incorporate Physical Activity into Your Routine

Regular exercise doesn’t only improve your physical health — it can also boost psychological well-being. Additionally, when you complete the physical challenges you give yourself (like running two miles or lifting weights), you might feel more capable of tackling challenges in other life areas. 

4. Ask Your Support System for Help 

It takes a village to make it through stressful times. So, don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. Self-isolating during times of struggle can cause depression. However, reaching out to your network can mean getting assistance, accessing new resources, and hearing new ideas on how to solve your problem.

5. Keep a Balanced Lifestyle 

Taking good care of yourself can improve self-esteem, making you feel more prepared to tackle problems as they arise. So, be sure to maintain a healthy, balanced routine. That means getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding too much alcohol, and partaking in activities that boost your well-being, like meditation, exercise, and time with loved ones.

When to Seek Help

While there are things you can do to improve your stress response when it comes to anxiety vs. concern, sometimes, we all need a little extra help dealing with tough times. Seek professional help when stress and anxiety cause you to:

• Have thoughts of suicide
• Struggle with substance abuse
• Struggle to carry out daily activities
• Socially isolate
• Feel overwhelmed by going it alone

Get the Support You Need with Citron Hennessey Therapy 

Citron Hennessey Therapy has a team of compassionate, trained mental health experts who are prepared to assist you in finding healthy ways to deal with life’s stresses. With therapists who specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and anger issues, as well as grief counselors, we have a dynamic group of providers who are devoted to your care. 

Searching for a New York psychotherapist? We offer in-person and online therapy so you can tailor your healing journey to your schedule and lifestyle. Life is stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Citron Hennessey Therapy is here to empower you with the tools to make you feel more confident about taking on life’s challenges. Reach out today and start your journey toward a healthier, less stressful life.