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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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Worry
Worry is a natural part of life, and most people experience worry occasionally. We may worry about our relationships with others, our careers, paying the bills, our health, and caring for family, 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 life, however, it may signal another concern. Excessive worrying can be a symptom of anxiety or a sign that something in your life needs to be addressed.
Excessive Worry
Experiencing occasional worry about rational things, such as your family’s safety and if you have access to food, water, and shelter, is one thing. However, if you’re experiencing constant worry in a way that feels excessive and disruptive, it may be time to explore the reason why. 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 things, 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 is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, but worry and anxiety are not the same thing. Anxiety disorders can involve a whole range of symptoms, with excessive worry as just one of those symptoms. Other common symptoms of anxiety include feelings of restlessness, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, gastrointestinal problems, and more. Another key difference between worry and anxiety is that worry tends to be about real things and exists in reasonable proportion to the cause. With anxiety, though, it can often be about unlikely events or scenarios, and it may be out of proportion to the 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 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 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. We often worry when we care about someone or something out of concern for them. For example, we may worry about someone we love—worrying that they are safe, healthy, and happy.
Treatment Options Include Online Counseling
There are a variety of techniques to deal 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 is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can be an excellent form of treatment for people with excessive worry as it gives people tangible skills to draw upon when they start to worry. In CBT, you can talk with a trained therapist about ways to manage your ruminating thoughts and identify the things that cause you to worry.
Individuals with excessive worry or anxiety may have certain worries that make it feel difficult or scary to seek treatment in person, but with online therapy, you can meet with a therapist from the comfort of home. Research has shown that online therapy can be effective in reducing anxiety and worry. BetterHelp has a variety of mental health professionals who are trained to work with anxiety and can help you manage your worrying.
Takeaway
Experiencing worry occasionally is 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 not the same, excessive worry is a common symptom of anxiety disorders. If you are experiencing excessive worry that is disrupting your life, you can speak with an online therapist for support.