There is the difference between the stress and anxiety.The symptoms of anxiety and stress are driven by the same chemical reaction; stress is a normal response to a threatening situation and anxiety is largely caused by worry. In fact, 'anxiety' and 'stress' are just two different words to describe the same experience - the symptoms of a higher heart rate, sweaty palms, churning stomach. All these symptoms, and others, are explained by the physiological changes that occur when the mind and body experience stress or anxiety.If there is one difference between anxiety and stress, it is that anxiety is usually perceived as more short-term, whereas stress can last for weeks, months, or even years.