Worry

Is worry a synonym for anxiety?

When you are getting ready to start a new job, go on a first date or make a class presentation, it can be perfectly natural to feel worried. Sweaty palms or an increase in heart rate in uncertain situations can be common as well. Worry, worry, worry—and worry, worry, worrying some more. Some people have difficulty finding peace of mind on a daily basis, and it seems their word of the day or even word of the year, is worry. The word itself conjures up images of related words—such as trouble, stress, anxiety, and depression.

This form of nervousness can be a natural response to feeling threatened, regardless of whether the perceived threat is physical or emotional. In many cases, people may choose to use “worry” as a synonym for anxiety disorder symptoms, although this isn’t an accurate synonym.

When “what ifs,” self-doubt, and tense shoulders become more than worry is when these symptoms might persist and interfere with a person’s day-to-day life. In this article, we will explore the differences between everyday worries and anxiety disorders and what you can do if symptoms of anxiety disorders or worry are causing disruptions in your life. 

Differences between the words "worry" and "anxiety disorders"

The overlap in similarities between worry and anxiety disorder-related symptoms can make it difficult to identify the difference between the two. However, there are usually several. We’ve summarized possible key areas of difference below: 

1. Worrying does not disrupt your daily life; anxiety disorders can.
   Where common feelings of worry may not require you to take sick days, cancel plans or abandon commitments, anxiety can disrupt your everyday ability to function in confidence. 
2. Worry can be specific, whereas anxiety disorders may be vague or generalized.
   Many worries can be pinpointed, such as worrying about an upcoming event or project at work. A reason for feelings that can be felt within an anxiety disorder may be more difficult to identify, possibly making you feel like you are worried for “no reason.”
3. Worry can be temporary, whereas anxiety disorders may be persistent.
   When you worry about things such as making a presentation, or making a big life decision, your worry might decrease after the task is done. In contrast, anxiety disorders or disorder-related symptoms may stick around regardless of the situation or what you’ve accomplished.
4. Worry can be grounded in reality, where anxiety disorders can promote catastrophic thinking.
   Often, worry might stem from a place of logic. For example: Worry can lead to driving carefully and making sure to wear a seatbelt, whereas anxiety disorders may prevent someone from driving at all due to an excessive fear of the risks involved.
5. While worry can create physical symptoms, the ones caused by anxiety disorders can be more severe or lasting.
   Though worry can create physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and perspiration, anxiety disorders can create lasting physical symptoms—including those related to the digestive tract. These can include symptoms such as nausea, ingestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

What are some worry synonyms?

Below are a few common equivalent words for worry as a verb. 

• Fret
• Agonize
• Trouble
• Bother
• Disturb
• Agitate
• Unsettle
• Perturb
• Burden

For a few common synonyms (similar words) for worry as a noun, please see below. 

• Disturbance
• Concern
• Uneasiness
• Disconcertment
• Tension
• Problem
• Stress

What are anxiety disorders?

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is generally classified by persistent feelings of fear or dread that can extend over a long period of time; perhaps months or years depending on the individual’s experience. 

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include: 

• Feeling restless, wound-up or on-edge
• Being easily fatigued, even in times of little strain
• Worsened ability to concentrate
• Feeling irritable
• Worse headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or unexplained pains
• Having difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep

For these reasons, GAD wouldn't be considered a synonym to worry.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder can be classified by intense fear or apprehension when it comes to social situations. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can make it difficult to attend work, school or other social functions.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include: 

• Blushing, sweating or trembling
• Pounding or racing heart
• Stomachaches that worsen in social situations
• Rigid body posture or speaking with an overly soft voice
• Difficulty making eye contact or being around people they don’t know
• Feelings of self-consciousness or fear that people will judge them negatively

Due to these symptoms, social anxiety disorder wouldn't be considered a synonym to worry.

Panic disorder

A panic attack can be described by many as sudden feelings of intense fear and discomfort. While it is possible to experience a panic attack without developing panic disorder, the two can co-occur. Someone living with the panic disorder may experience panic attacks anywhere from several times a day to several times a year.

Symptoms of a panic attack may include: 

• Pounding or racing heart
• Sweating
• Trembling or tingling
• Chest pain
• Feelings of worsening doom
• Feelings of being out of control

Anxiety disorders can be fairly common for many. The American Psychiatric Association reports an estimated 7% of US adults living with social anxiety disorder, and another 2% living with generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are not a synonym for worry since they describe diagnosable mental illnesses.

Living well with anxiety disorder

If persistent feelings of worry are causing discomfort or disruption in your day-to-day life, it can be possible that you are living with an anxiety disorder. 

Help and treatment can be made available for those living with persistent feelings of worry. Typically, identifying the type of anxiety disorder you may be tackling can serve a helpful first step in determining what type of treatment will be most effective. 

Due to the intense and overwhelming nature of many anxiety symptoms, online therapy may serve a more comfortable option for those seeking assistance. It can save you the work of having to go out or be vulnerable in a new or unfamiliar place, allowing you to possibly address your condition in a more efficient way—from the comfort of your own home or safe place.