Why Knowing the Difference Between Fear, Anxiety, and Worry is Crucial

Sometimes we use words interchangeably when the meaning is quite different. Yet, knowing and understanding the proper definitions might help us move forward significantly in matters that scare us. Discover how to recognize the difference between fear, anxiety, and worry. 

A Story to Help Illustrate Fear, Anxiety, and Worry

It was a beautiful bright sunny day when a cute little dog pushed his head through the wrought iron fence at the end of the yard. I squealed with delight as I bent down to speak to my dog. “Look, Champ, you have a visitor. Someone has come to say hi to you.”

I reached for the door and slid it open with anticipation that Champ, my dog, would run to greet his visitor. Yet, to my surprise, he didn’t budge from his spot.  I coaxed with endearing words, and when that didn’t work, I tried to push him out the door, to no avail. He would not move as if his legs no longer worked.

I found his behavior strange and uncharacteristic. I thought about carrying him out, but he was too heavy for my little arms. Aha, a thought came to mind,  he loves to chase me. So I darted out the door, assured Champ would follow me.

I soon found out why!

Right before my eyes, in a bit of a blur, was something long and stretched out on the patio. Panic swept over me, and I jumped as far as my legs would carry me right over the darn snake. I took a look back and let out a blood-curdling scream as I hopped onto the nearest bench—“Help! Please, someone, come quickly. There is a rattlesnake out here. Help me, please. Hurry.” I love my Mom; however, she was not my favorite person as she slammed the door shut and locked it on this particular occasion. 

This experience was the beginning of my fear, anxiety, and worry about snakes. 

Fear, Anxiety, or Worry?

We so often hear these terms used interchangeably. However, these words do not have the same meaning and all call for a unique response when we mix them up.

What is Fear?

When imminent danger is present, we usually have a strong emotional and physical response. Hormones release into our bodies that urge us to seek safety, and we typically respond to fear in four ways—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. We will look at two.

The “Fight or Flight Response” 

I have to say, God thought of everything. The “Fight or Flight Response” is merely remarkable, as it pushes us to take necessary action.

Did you know that when the fight or flight response is let loose, the following things happen: Blood is diverted from the skin, toes, and fingers and carried to the large muscles of the arms (for fighting) and the legs (for running). Our slow breaths will convert to rapid chest breaths, resulting in more oxygen to our muscles. We may even sweat, which will keep our bodies from overheating.

The “Fight or Flight Response” is automatically unleashed all on its own at the sight of fear.

I jumped that enormous snake even though I was just a child. My flight response automatically took over my mind and my body.

Unfortunately, this experience didn’t end there. In the days, weeks, and years to follow, I would notice anxiety rising inside of me as I approached that same patio. I justified the feelings because it was not uncommon to have 10 – 12 rattlesnakes a summer at our home.

What is Anxiety?

Clarification: The anxiety we are discussing below has nothing to do with an Anxiety Disorder. 

Anxiety is an emotion that often feels unpleasant; however, the experience is entirely normal and valuable. After all, don’t you think a little anxiety might help us prepare for an upcoming presentation or an exam? Anxiety usually shows up when we anticipate something that might happen, but not in the face of an immediate threat. 

The emotion of anxiety may unleash feelings in me that will help me prepare for the chance I might see a snake on that patio and allows me to develop a plan as to what I will do. 

What is Worry?

Worry is a bit like fear and anxiety all wound up together. The fear factor is present without any real danger. As in anxiety, our minds think about circumstances that may never come to fruition. Through our worry, we try to manage outcomes out of our control.

Worrying is like taking the fear and adding past experiences, imagination, nightmares, thoughts, and feelings.

One fundamental way of knowing if we are in the worry stage of a particular problem is to see whether there is any more action we can take or plans to implement. If not, you are probably worrying.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Phillippians 4:6-7 NLT

Worry Continues to Hold Me Back

I love experiencing nature and God’s magnificent creation; however, I often turn back on hiking trails before traveling far. Sometimes I work my worry into such concern about the possibility of seeing a snake that I miss the joy of the moment. I found myself stuck and unable to budge on two occasions until my sweet daughter carried me out on her back, and only one of those times was there even a snake present.

Although I haven’t completely overcome my fear, anxiety, and worry about snakes, I am making progress.  Last summer, I hiked all alone to the top of the peak alone, and it was an exhilarating experience and a fantastic day walking with God in the beauty He created for us to enjoy.   Perhaps you would enjoy reading another story about, How the Thrill of Conquering a Fear Builds Strength and Confidence. 

The Difference Between Fear, Anxiety, and Worry is Crucial

Fear helps us when in danger, and anxiety prepares us for future events, but worry hurts and exhausts us. However, knowing the true meaning of fear and anxiety may help us recognize when we have dipped over into concern and help us take steps to stop worrying.  Discover seven actions that help halt worry mentioned in the post ”How to Embrace Worry in the Unexpected.”

Do you tend to get stuck in the vicious cycle of fear, anxiety, and worry? Is there a fear that you have turned into a worry that perhaps you are ready to release to God?  

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