Is worry taking over your life?

Feb 8, 2023Other

Is worry taking over your life?

Girl worrying

We all worry at some time in our lives, but if you worry every day and feel anxious, you need help.

Are you a worrier who does this?

People who worry a lot have probably been doing it for a long time but have started to realise that this worrying is increasing and becoming a problem.

Worriers often first notice that their sleep is disturbed. They can’t get to sleep, or they wake up and start worrying about things. Then they worry that the next night they won’t sleep. You can see that it becomes a pattern of worry.

Worriers are often people who do a lot of thinking. They may be analytical people who like to understand everything. They like routine and things done in an organised way.

People who keep worrying often have a problem. It could be a big problem or a small problem. Sometimes it might even seem a silly problem when the person thinks about it. For example, they might worry about getting the right parking space at work, or they might worry about driving to work, talking with other people or even blushing too much.

There are so many areas of worry. They can include worry about:

  • Work issues
  • Relationship issues
  • Personal issues

Worriers like to check things. In some cases, when anxiety and worry have been going on for a long time, the checking might become obsessive, and they might have signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Some worriers have been doing it for such a long time that they can’t remember when it started or what made them worry. Other people notice that they worry too much and call themselves worriers.

What is worry?

A worry is a form of thinking about the future. We manufacture the thoughts. The thoughts might be frightening or racing. Some worrying is part of everyday life, but it can be a problem when it is excessive.

It’s temporary, although a person might feel it goes on for a long time. The person often starts worrying about something and then changes direction and worries about something else.

Worry is about analysing and problem-solving. For example, someone might think about getting a job. They might desperately want that job, but they know someone else in the office who is better qualified. So they start to worry about their qualifications.

Worry is linked to anxiety, which is fear or apprehension.

Worry can be overwhelming, which is when it takes over your life.

What causes worrying?

Worrying is triggered by many things, including pressures related to your environment, work, and health.

Sometimes this comes from trauma or experiences as a child.

For some people, there may be a genetic link. So some people have parents or relatives who are anxious and worry a lot.

Why is worrying a problem?

Worrying zaps your energy. It stops you from doing the things that you want to do. It makes you take too long to do things.

It stops you from doing things because you keep thinking about things rather than taking action.

It can cause difficulties with relationships.

Excessive worrying develops anxiety and may lead to depression.

What do you do about excessive worrying?

If you are a worrier, there is a solution. You can feel better.

The first step is to realise that you are worrying more than you should be and that it is not helping you. You might talk with a trusted friend, partner or family member, and you can ask them if they think you worry too much.

The next step to stop the worry is to consider what you are worrying about. Ask yourself if the worry is something you can solve or if there is no solution, and you keep going around in circles.

There are lots of self-help things that can work for people who worry too much.

  • Try and reframe things to be more positive.
  • Tell yourself that you will only worry once a day.
  • Write things down in a journal and notice if there are any themes.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) online self-help courses.
  • Practice mindfulness or meditation.
  • Write down and think about what you are grateful for in life.
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Exercise
  • Do yoga.

But if self-help isn’t working, then there is professional help.

  • Contact your doctor.
  • Seek out a counsellor who practices Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
  • Look for other counsellors.
  • Try hypnotherapy or other complementary therapies.
  • Find a life coach.

Finally…

I’m Linda, and I practice as a hypnotherapist, counsellor (CBT) and coach who helps people stop worrying and enjoy life again. I’m also a mum, small business owner, dog lover and academic. I know what worry is about. I’ve been there at different times and seen many people with excessive worry. I want to help you.

Contact me for a free initial consultation and find out more.

Awaken the Change is about Focusing Minds for Positive Results

Awaken the Change is a self-help service providing education and information.

Linda sees clients at her practice in Bournemouth, in the UK. She is also happy to provide online help via webcam for hypnotherapy, counselling and supervision. Counselling and supervision can also be provided by telephone.

Linda is an accredited trainer and supervisor.

Linda Witchell
Share This