Anxiety or Everyday Worry, What’s the Difference?

Everyone worries from time to time. So how do you know when everyday worry might be becoming anxiety?

Worry is a normal part of life. Money, work, relationships, family, health and uncertainty about the future can all give us something to worry about.

Usually, the worry has a clear reason and becomes easier when the situation changes or the problem is resolved.

Sometimes, however, worry becomes harder to switch off.

WHAT DOES EVERYDAY WORRY LOOK LIKE?

Everyday worry is often connected to something specific.

You might think:

“Will I have enough money this month?”

“How will tomorrow’s meeting go?”

“I hope my test results are OK.”

“I’m worried about my family.”

These thoughts can be uncomfortable, but they don’t necessarily mean you have an anxiety problem.

The worry may come and go, and you can usually continue with everyday life.

WHEN MIGHT WORRY BE BECOMING A PROBLEM?

It may be worth paying more attention if you find that you’re:

• worrying much of the time
• finding it difficult to control your worries
• worrying about lots of different things
• expecting the worst to happen
• repeatedly looking for reassurance
• avoiding situations because they make you anxious
• finding it difficult to concentrate
• struggling to relax or switch off
• losing sleep because you’re worrying

The important question isn’t simply “Do I worry?”

Most people do.

A more useful question can be:

“How much is this worry affecting my life?”

WHY CAN WORRY GROW?

One worry can sometimes lead to another.

You might start by worrying about a problem at work.

That becomes:

“What if I make a mistake?”

Then:

“What if I lose my job?”

And eventually:

“How would I pay the bills?”

Before long, your mind has travelled a long way from the original problem.

This doesn’t mean those things are going to happen. It means worry has started filling in the gaps with possible future problems.

WHAT CAN I TRY?

Identify the actual worry.Ask yourself: “What am I worried about right now?”

Separate facts from possibilities.What do you know has happened, and what are you imagining might happen?

Look for something you can do.If there is a practical step you can take, focus on that rather than trying to solve every possible outcome.

Give your mind something else to focus on.Go for a walk, speak to somebody, complete a task or do something you enjoy.

You don’t have to eliminate every worry. The aim is to stop worry taking over your day.

WHEN SHOULD I ASK FOR MORE HELP?

Consider speaking to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if worry or anxiety is difficult to control, continues for a long time or is having a significant effect on your everyday life.

This could include affecting your sleep, work, relationships or stopping you doing things you would normally do.

Understanding anxiety
Why do I feel anxious for no obvious reason?
Why does my mind keep thinking the worst?
Why am I worrying about things I can’t control?
Managing racing thoughts

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE?

Sometimes it can help to talk things through.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.