We all worry from time to time. About our families, our health, money, work, or whether we have said or done the right thing. Sometimes there is a clear reason for it. We have something difficult coming up, and once it is over, the worry begins to ease.But what if it doesn’t ease? What if you find yourself lying awake, going over things again and again, or worrying about something else as soon as one concern has passed? It can be tiring to have so much going on in your mind.
When worry becomes harder to put down
Worry and anxiety overlap, so there isn’t a definite point where one becomes the other. Feeling anxious is something most of us experience at times, and it doesn’t necessarily mean there is an anxiety disorder.
It is worth paying attention when worry becomes difficult to manage or starts affecting your everyday life. Perhaps you are struggling to sleep, finding it hard to concentrate, or spending less time doing things you usually enjoy. You might feel on edge without really knowing why. Or you may know exactly what you are worried about, but find that reassurance only helps for a little while.
Anxiety can show up in your body too, through tension, an unsettled stomach or a noticeable heartbeat. These symptoms can have other causes, so please speak to your GP about anything new, persistent or concerning rather than assuming it is anxiety.
You might still be getting on with everything
Sometimes we think that because we are still working, caring for others and doing what needs to be done, we must be coping.
But you might be getting through the day and then finding it difficult to settle in the evening. You may be keeping your worries to yourself because you don’t want to trouble anyone, or because other people seem to have more to deal with.
How you feel matters too. You don’t have to wait until you can no longer manage before asking for support.
Giving yourself a little space
If worry is taking up a lot of your day, it may help to write down what is on your mind. Is there something you can do about it, even a small step? Or are you trying to find certainty about something you cannot know yet?
You don’t have to find an answer to everything at once. The NHS suggests separating worries you can act on from those that are outside your control. It may also help to tell someone how you are feeling. Sometimes we have carried things quietly for so long that saying them out loud feels like quite a big step. You can begin with something as simple as, “I’ve been worrying a lot lately.”
Having someone to talk to
Counselling gives you time to talk about what is worrying you, without feeling you need to rush or worry about taking up someone else’s time. You don’t need to arrive knowing what to say. We can start wherever you are and gently explore what has been happening for you.
There may be current pressures, things from the past, or expectations you have been trying hard to live up to. There may be several things tangled together. We can take time to understand them.
Counselling at Invest in You
I offer counselling for adults in Plymouth and online across the UK, with space for you to talk, be heard and explore how you are feeling. If you recognise something of yourself here, you are welcome to get in touch. You don’t need to decide whether it is “just worry” or anxiety before we speak.
You can find out more on my counselling page.