Between Excessive Worrying and Anxiety - Ora Golan

We all worry sometimes about our health and the health of our loved ones, the daily stress, whether our bank account is balanced and our bills are paid on time, whether our daughter will find a partner, and will our son continue his academic track successfully.

These worries are a part of life and as long as the intensity of the worrying corresponds with the severity of the problem, this is a normative and regular situation. The problem starts when exaggerated worrying, “excessive worrying”, begins to bother and burden the person experiencing it. Then it is characterized as anxiety.

Anxiety often disguises itself as “excessive worrying” and thereby takes control of those who suffer from it, on a daily basis. Excessive worrying is a kind of anxiety and belongs to the fears/phobias category. It is characterized by repeated thinking about the subject of worrying.

Excessive worrying interferes with the routine of those who suffer from it, and sometimes even damages their health.

How is excessive worrying/anxiety expressed?

Those of us who suffer from excessive worrying tend to be stressed and restless, have difficulty focusing on daily chores, and with falling asleep when it is time to rest. Sometimes physiological symptoms appear. These may include sweating, nausea, diarrhea, strained and painful muscles, nervousness, chest pressure, accelerated pulse, a dry mouth, digestive system discomfort, cold and sweaty palms, difficulty swallowing, and restlessness. All these symptoms indicate the direct link between excessive worrying and anxiety.

Those who suffer from excessive worrying or an anxiety disorder sometimes suffer from depression, which is characterized by anxiety symptoms. Most of the patients start treatment after a long period of suffering which started as excessive worrying and had become more emotionally intense, resulting in depression.

How can you help yourself cope with anxiety/excessive worrying?

Try to evaluate the frequency of the anxiety/excessive worrying attacks.
Remember that identifying the symptoms is the first step to getting help when coping with excessive worrying/anxiety.
To prevent the worsening of symptoms, it is important to discuss your feelings and thoughts with a close person or a professional.

Don’t allow the worrying/anxiety to intensify and become depression, treat it immediately to improve your quality of life.

How can people cope better with excessive worrying/anxiety?

Dedicate 30 minutes a day to physical activity, such as: walking around outdoors, swimming, etc.
Make sure to eat regularly and avoid late-night eating before going to sleep.
Get help from those close to you and let them be your source of support.
Make sure to eliminate the bad thoughts with rational, practical thinking.