Stress and Anxiety Counselling in Calgary | NU Psychology
What’s the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety?
Did you know that not all stress is bad? A small amount of stress — called “eustress” — actually helps keep you motivated, focused, and alert. It’s your body’s way of giving you just enough energy to rise to a challenge. The key is balance — too much stress for too long can turn into anxiety, while just the right amount can boost performance and confidence!
Let’s start by saying that neither are fun! Both stress and anxiety can be helpful or work against us depending on the amount and situation.
Stress and anxiety are related — cousins, in fact — but they are distinctly different experiences.
Stress refers to a physical, mental, or emotional response to a challenging or demanding situation or significant life change. It’s a normal and often adaptive response that can help us cope, stay motivated, and improve performance under pressure.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of worry or fear that is often related to stress — but it can take on a life of its own. Anxiety is a normal and sometimes healthy emotion that everyone experiences at some point, especially in response to uncertainty or potential danger.
There are different forms of anxiety that can affect people in unique ways — social anxiety involves intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings, performance anxiety often arises before exams, presentations, or public speaking, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is marked by ongoing, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations, and health anxiety centers around persistent fears of illness or physical symptoms despite reassurance.
However, when anxiety becomes excessive, chronic, or disproportionate to the situation, it can start to interfere with daily life. This is when it moves beyond temporary worry and becomes something that deserves attention and care.
The Key Difference Between Stress and Anxiety
The main difference lies in duration and intensity.
Stress is typically a short-term response to a specific situation — like meeting a deadline, giving a presentation, or preparing for an important life event.
Anxiety is more persistent and ongoing — a general sense of worry or fear that lingers even when there’s no immediate threat.
Stress tends to fade once the situation is resolved, while anxiety often continues, creating physical tension, overthinking, or even panic when nothing is “wrong” in the moment.
Anxiety can also be understood as worry that drifts beyond realistic concern — the “what-ifs” and imagined worst-case scenarios that our brains create when we’re trying to stay safe.
At NU Psychology in Calgary, our therapists help clients recognize these patterns, understand their emotional roots, and learn to separate helpful stress from harmful anxiety. The goal isn’t to get rid of these emotions entirely — it’s to manage them effectively and build resilience.
How Stress and Anxiety Affect the Body
Both stress and anxiety affect not only how we think, but also how our bodies function.
When we feel stressed, our nervous system releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing us for action — the classic fight, flight, or freeze response. This is helpful for short-term challenges.
However, when this system stays “on” for too long, it can lead to:
Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
Muscle tension and headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or emotional overwhelm
Digestive changes
Burnout
Therapy helps you understand these physical and emotional connections, creating strategies to bring the body and mind back into balance.
Healthy Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiety
Managing stress and anxiety is about creating daily habits that promote calm and clarity. Some helpful strategies include:
Regular movement: Exercise, yoga, or even a short walk helps release tension and restore balance.
Mindful breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths signals to your nervous system that it’s safe to relax.
Structured downtime: Schedule rest — don’t wait until you “earn” it. Balance productivity with recovery.
Challenge negative thoughts: Notice unhelpful thinking patterns like “I can’t handle this” and reframe them: “I can take one step at a time.”
Stay connected: Talking about your feelings with someone you trust helps regulate emotions and builds perspective.
Limit overstimulation: Step away from screens, especially social media, when stress levels rise.
At NU Psychology, we help clients turn these concepts into personalized, realistic plans. Our approach is evidence-based and strength-focused — helping you work with your emotions, not against them.
When to Seek Support in Calgary
Everyone experiences stress and anxiety, but it may be time to seek extra support if:
Your mind feels constantly “on,” even during rest.
Anxiety impacts your sleep, focus, or appetite.
You avoid situations that used to feel manageable.
You experience frequent tension, irritability, or panic.
You feel disconnected or emotionally numb.
Therapy can help you:
Understand the root of your stress and anxiety.
Learn mindfulness and emotional regulation tools.
Build realistic coping strategies for work, school, or relationships.
Regain control and confidence in daily life.
At NU Psychology in Calgary, we provide a safe, compassionate space to explore your thoughts and emotions. Our clinicians use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches to help you find calm and clarity.
How NU Psychology Helps Individuals Manage Stress and Anxiety
We create individualized plans for each client, focusing on understanding personal stressors and developing tailored coping skills. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to identify patterns that contribute to stress and anxiety — and then design practical steps for relief.
Our sessions may include:
Identifying and reframing unhelpful thoughts
Learning relaxation and grounding techniques
Developing healthy routines and boundaries
Exploring emotional awareness and self-compassion
Anxiety is highly treatable — but it takes awareness and the right strategies. With guidance and support, you can learn to quiet the inner critic, reconnect with calm, and approach challenges with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Stress and anxiety are part of being human — but they don’t have to control your life. With the right tools, support, and self-awareness, you can learn to manage both effectively and find balance again.
At NU Psychology in Calgary, we’re here to help you explore what’s behind your stress or anxiety, strengthen emotional regulation, and rediscover calm. Healing starts with understanding — and every small step counts.
📍 Address: 2005 37 Street SW, Unit #4, Calgary, AB
📧 Email: office@nupsychology.com
📞 Phone: 403-217-4686
🌐 Book your counselling session in Calgary today—find relief, clarity, and calm with NU Psychology.
Looking for support for children experiencing stress or anxiety? Visit our sister clinic, Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, where child psychologists help kids build resilience and thrive.
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Stress is usually linked to a specific challenge (like exams, deadlines, or major life changes) and fades once the situation passes. Anxiety tends to persist, showing up as ongoing worry, tension, or “what-if” thinking — even without a clear cause.
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If you feel overwhelmed, unable to relax, or if your anxiety affects your sleep, relationships, or work, therapy can help. NU Psychology in Calgary offers evidence-based approaches to help you manage symptoms and feel grounded again.
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Yes. When stress becomes chronic and unmanaged, it can evolve into persistent anxiety. Learning to manage stress early — through mindfulness, therapy, or healthy coping strategies — helps prevent it from escalating.
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At NU Psychology, we often use CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapy to help clients challenge unhelpful thoughts, stay present, and build emotional resilience. These methods are research-backed and highly effective for both stress and anxiety management.
