Person looking out | Discover how to recognize the difference between worry, fear, and anxiety and why it is crucial to understand.
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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. 

Discover how to recognize the difference between worry, fear, and anxiety and why it is crucial to understand. #fear #worry #anxiety Click To Tweet

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.

God never intended for us to stay in a position of fear and anxiety. Worry keeps us stuck in that place. #worry #fear #anxiety Click To Tweet
Person praying | Discover how to recognize the difference between worry, fear, and anxiety and why it is crucial to understand.
Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels

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 is a waste of time and energy! #worry Click To Tweet

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.

Worry many times enters the picture after the initial fear and anxiety and robs us of the beauty of the moment. #worry Click To Tweet

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.”

Hat | Discover how to recognize the difference between worry, fear, and anxiety and why it is crucial to understand.
Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels

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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19 Comments

    1. You are so welcome! I know it helps me to see the difference between fear, worry, and anxiety. I always used to think I didn’t worry, but I do. At least know I understand and attempt to let God have my worries. I hope you are having a wonderful week. Blessings, Maree

    1. Paula,
      I am so glad you found the article valuable. Thank you for letting me know; it means so much to me. I hope your week has started well. Blessings, Maree

  1. Thanks for unpacking this for us, Maree! It helps as aim to walk through each of these feelings! I always learn something when I visit your page! Thanks for doing what you do! You’re a blessing.

  2. I really value the way you made the distinctions between worry, anxiety, and fear. What a helpful way to think about it all. And rattlesnakes? Well, at least its a totally rational fear! YIKES. So glad you have been able to work through it, overcomer!!!

    1. Oh, Adonai, you have given me too much credit. I have not 100% worked through my worry about snakes. I am a work in progress, and only sometimes I’m an overcomer. I am glad you like the distinction between fear, worry, and anxiety.
      Blessings,
      Maree

  3. Maree, I love the way you differentiate between each of these three emotions. I think our minds must be in a similar vein right now. 🙂

    This: “Fear helps us when in danger, and anxiety prepares us for a future event, 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.”

    Yes. So well written!

    1. Jeanne,
      You are so sweet. Thank you for your encouragement. I’m embarrassed to say I won’t go in the jacuzzi outside by myself and could really use it for my back, but last year we had a bunch of snakes living under it. Now that the snow has melted, I’m worried they are under there. Haha, perhaps tomorrow I will be brave. I hope you are having a great week.

      Blessings,
      Maree

    1. Theresa,

      I too love(Philippians 4:6) —”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Worry sure eats at our souls!

      Blessings, Maree

  4. I experience all three of these are various times, so I really appreciate you differentiating between them. They’re not the same, yet we often lump them together.

    1. It’s hard not to lump them together. However, I have found recognizing the difference can help me move forward. I hope you have had a great start to your week. Blessings, Maree

    1. Yes, I think it can help tremendously to move forward if we can break down what we are experiencing into fear, worry, and anxiety. Thank you for adding to our conversation. I always love to read your comments. Maree

  5. Wow. You had me right there with you. That must have been terrifying. And it’s so fascinating to consider how many factors over time “build us into” the adult we ultimately become. I too can find myself emotionally transported back to a frightened childhood moment. And you’re right: those fears form habits that remain all our lives.
    I’m hanging on to your careful dissection of fear, anxiety, worry. That Scripture has been pushed aside in my heart before, but now I see why it was given to us.
    Thanks for a blood-diverting read this morning.