The connection between anxiety and stress

People who learn and think differently face challenges on a regular basis. So, they may feel more stress than other people. Ongoing stress can be a cause of anxiety.

But there’s also a direct link between anxiety and learning and thinking differences. Anxiety co-occurs with some differences. These include ADHD, dyslexia, slow processing speed, and trouble with sensory processing issues.

Learn more about:

• Stress and learning and thinking differences in kids

• Anxiety and learning and thinking differences

Just like with stress, all people feel anxious from time to time. But what they feel and the signs they show can be different. Here are some common aspects of anxiety:

• The feeling is out of proportion to the real or imagined “threat.” For example, a child might cry in terror because of being afraid to enter a birthday party.

• People expect that something bad will happen and they won’t be able to handle or stop it. For example, they might think, “That dog’s going to bite me and I’m going to die.”

• “What if?” is a common phrase anxious people say and think.

See a list of signs of anxiety in younger kids and in tweens and teens.

There are simple ways to help with stress and anxiety. Deep breathing and mindfulness help kids and adults stay calm and focused on what’s happening now. Thinking about strengths and past successes can boost confidence. 

When people have trouble with learning or behavior, it’s important to get help for those challenges. Improving skills can help lessen the stress they face on a daily basis.

Plus, there are treatment options for problems with anxiety. These include talk therapy and medication, if needed.

For families: Get tips for helping kids and tweens and teens manage stress.

For educators: Discover classroom accommodations that can help with stress and anxiety.

For people who often feel anxious: Learn how to tell typical anxiety from an anxiety problem.