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Worry is the act of repeatedly thinking about what could go wrong. The thoughts associated with worrying are often repetitive. When a person worries obsessively, they do not have control over the thoughts that come into their mind. Some people worry from time to time, while others struggle with rumination more than once in a while. When worry becomes excessive, it’s crucial to see a mental health professional so they can determine if there is an underlying mental illness. Here you will find articles about what causes people to worry and how to handle these repetitive thoughts. Worrying doesn’t solve problems, but coping with the worries can help you feel better. Read through these articles and find tangible solutions to your anxious thoughts.
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Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Worry can be a natural part of life, and most people experience worry occasionally. We may worry about our relationships, our careers, our finances, and our health, among other things. When we’re invested in someone or something, we tend to think about that person or thing quite a bit. In some cases, this can mean that we’ll worry about the person or situation. When worrying becomes so intense that it disrupts our lives, however, it may signal a deeper concern. Excessive worrying can be a symptom of anxiety or a sign that something in your life needs to be addressed. A licensed therapist can help you get to the root of your worry and address it healthily.
Excessive worry
Experiencing occasional worry about rational things, such as your family’s safety and if you have access to food, water, and shelter, can be normal and expected. However, if you’re experiencing constant worry in a way that seems excessive and disruptive, it may be time to explore the reason behind it.
People who worry persistently and excessively may be living with an anxiety disorder. Individuals with anxiety may worry about things that are unlikely to happen, or about things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. They may experience excessive worry around everyday happenings, even when there is no real reason to worry, and this intense worry can be difficult to control or let go of.
Worrying and anxiety
Worrying can be a common symptom of anxiety disorders, but worry and anxiety are generally not the same thing. Anxiety disorders can involve a range of symptoms, with excessive worry as just one of those symptoms.
Other common symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of restlessness, an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, gastrointestinal problems, and more.
A key difference between worry and anxiety may be that worry tends to be about real, tangible things and usually exists in reasonable proportion to its cause. Anxiety can often be focused on unlikely events or scenarios, and it may seem out of proportion to its cause.
If someone is frequently hyper-fixated on the worst-case scenario, they might be living with an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder.
Why people worry
People may worry for many different reasons, and the causes of worry can vary widely from one person to the next. A few common reasons for worry can include financial stress, health concerns, career difficulties, personal safety, family well-being, and more. Other reasons for worry can include current events, natural disasters, relationship concerns, navigating difficult situations, and worry for others.
Getting help with worry
There can be a variety of techniques to cope with worry, and if you are experiencing excessive worry or an anxiety disorder, you may want to seek professional treatment.
Whether you have an anxiety disorder or not, it can be helpful to see a therapist to work through the things that are causing you to worry and find ways to cope. A common and effective form of treatment for these concerns may be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can be an excellent form of treatment for people with excessive worry as it normally gives them tangible skills to draw upon when they start to worry. In CBT, you can talk with a licensed therapist about ways to manage rumination and identify the things that cause you to worry.
Benefits of online therapy
Individuals with excessive worry or anxiety may have certain worries that make it seem difficult or scary to seek treatment in person, but with online therapy, you can meet with a therapist from the comfort of your home. Additionally, you can speak to your therapist via video call, phone call, or online chat, further empowering you to customize the treatment experience to your comfort level.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Research indicates that online therapy can be effective in reducing anxiety and worry. If you’re interested in seeking professional help for excessive worrying, you may rest assured that both online and face-to-face therapy options can be valid and effective choices.
Takeaway
Experiencing worry occasionally can be a common part of life for most people, but when worry becomes excessive or disruptive to your daily life, it may be time to assess the situation and find ways to address it. While worry and anxiety are generally not the same, excessive worry can be a common symptom of various anxiety disorders. If you are experiencing excessive worry that is disrupting your life, you can speak with an online or in-person therapist for support and guidance.