Anxious versus Nervous

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Anxious versus Nervous

When to see a doctor for anxiety or nervousness?

Anxious versus Nervous

Am I feeling anxious or nervous? What is the difference between anxiety and nervousness? Although we sometimes use the two terms anxious and nervous together or interchangeably, they have the following differences to set them apart.

Anxiety vs Nervousness	​Anxiety	Nervousness
Generalized vs Specific	Generalized; Worry about different things, such as health, money, family, work, or school	Specific; Triggered by a specific situation, such as a public speech, a first date, or a job interview
Cause	Difficult to pinpoint the cause	Easy to pinpoint a cause
Duration	Lasts even after the stressful situation has passed	Resolves once the stressful situation has passed
Frequency	Some days to nearly everyday	Depends on how often the stressor happens
Severity	Mild to severe; Can impair daily functioning	Mild usually
Controllablity	​Uncontrollable; Can’t stop worrying	​Controllable

When to see a doctor for anxiety or nervousness?

Talk to a doctor or a mental health professional, or book a discovery call with us,

• if you are unsure whether you are feeling anxious or nervous;

• if your anxiety or nervousness becomes out of your control; or

• if your anxiety or nervousness starts to affect your daily living.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational/informational purposes only, and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Learn more.