Worry

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Worry is generally regarded as a form of verbal mental problem solving and about potentially future negative events. Worry becomes helpful when it is difficult to control or dismiss. Prolonged and frequent worry generates more anxiety and more worry, which may actually prevent positive thinking and actions.

Human beings have the amazing ability to think about future events. 'Thinking ahead’ means that we can anticipate obstacles or problems, and gives us the opportunity to plan solutions. When it helps us to achieve our goals, ‘thinking ahead’ can be helpful. However, worrying is a way of 'thinking ahead' that often leaves us feeling anxious or apprehensive. When we worry excessively, we often think about worst case scenarios and feel that we won't be able to cope.  

Nearly everyone worries at some time, and it is normal that worry increases when problems or dangers exist, or when a person faces something new or unknown. The most common areas of worry involve concerns with family, interpersonal life, work or school, health, and finances. Normal worrying is usually triggered by a reminder in the environment that is related to the area of concern, although worry can also just pop up. 

Normal worry usually interferes little with daily life, because the person is usually able to stop it. However, the frequency of worry and the extent of anxiety it causes is different for everyone. Worry may become distressing itself (that is, worry is the problem much more than the feared event) and may interfere with normal functions, such as sleep or concentration, particularly when one is faced with stressful circumstances.

If you struggle with persistent anxiety, it is likely that excessive worry is largely to blame. Although sometimes worrying feels beneficial, protecting us from being unprepared or caught off guard, for many people it causes more problems than it solves. 

Worries, doubts, and anxieties are a normal part of life. It’s natural to worry about an unpaid bill, an upcoming job interview, or a first date. But “normal” worry becomes excessive when it’s persistent and uncontrollable. You worry every day about “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, you can’t get anxious thoughts out of your head, and it interferes with your daily life. 

Worrying so much can become a heavy burden weighing negatively on your relationships, self-esteem, career, and other aspects of your life. It can also impact you emotionally and mentally, contributing to your symptoms of panic and anxiety. 

Sometimes our worries are caused by procrastination or an inability to make a decision. If you are putting something off, worry can serve as a way to avoid facing the issue head-on. However, in the long run, worry and anticipation can actually make you feel much more anxious than if you would just take care of your issue. Stop worrying by taking the steps you need to deal with the problem. You may find that by tackling your problems or projects actually decrease your feelings of worry and stress.

Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or school. 

You may take your negative feelings out on the people closest to you, self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, or try to distract yourself by zoning out in front of screens. Chronic worrying can also be a major symptom of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder that involves tension, nervousness, and a general feeling of unease that colors your whole life. 

Worry is generally regarded as a form of verbal mental problem solving about potentially negative future events. It can be triggered by a variety of external events, or from thoughts that just pop into your head. Worry is characterised by a lot of “what if” statements such as: 

 - “What if I fail my exam?” 

- “What if I can’t do the job?”

-  “What if I can’t provide for my family?”

-  “What if I get anxious during my interview?”  

Normal worry is relatively short-lived and leads to positive problem-solving behaviour. Worry becomes unhelpful when it is about a number of things, is very frequent, and is difficult to control or dismiss. People may think this type of worry is useful, that it helps with problem solving and planning, or prevents future negative outcomes. However, this is not the case, as prolonged or frequent worry generates more anxiety and more worry, which may actually prevent positive thinking and action.  

There are numerous ways cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce excessive worry. One powerful technique is through evaluating the worry to determine whether it is productive or unproductive. By determining a worry is unproductive, it is easier to intentionally let it go.  

Some of the techniques involve,:

- relaxation to reduce chronic tension

- techniques for dealing with unhelpful beliefs about worry;

- learning to challenge and let go of worries

- learning more helpful coping and problem solving strategies

- learning to be less focused on uncertainty, and more present focused.  

Keeping your worries to yourself can lead them to build up and become overwhelming. By talking to someone, you can release some of the pressure. You can contact us to find out how we can support you manage your worries.