Understanding and Managing Anxiety and Worry
Everyone feels anxious or worried sometimes. It’s normal to worry about things like a first date, a job interview, a school presentation, or paying bills. But when anxiety and worry become too much, happen all the time, and you can’t stop thinking about them, it can be a problem. This can affect your everyday life.
How Anxiety and Worry Affect You
Constant anxiety and worrying and expecting the worst can harm your health. It can make it hard to sleep, focus, and can leave you feeling nervous, frustrated, or restless. Physically, it can cause headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension.
How We Deal with Anxious and Worrying Thoughts
When we get stuck in a cycle of anxiety and worrying, we usually respond in one of two ways: we either focus on these thoughts or try very hard to ignore them. Both of these responses can actually make us worry more.
Breaking the Anxiety and Worry Cycle
The real issue is how we respond to our anxiety and worries. If we keep pulling these thoughts close or pushing them away, we can get stuck in a pattern of worrying.
Getting Help for Anxiety and Worry
Working with someone who understands what you’re going through can be very helpful. They can support you and help you notice when you’re using unhelpful behaviors like avoiding things, withdrawing from people, or neglecting important tasks. This support can make it easier for you to recognize and manage your anxiety and worries on your own.