Anxiety and worry may be similar and both are normal feelings experienced by everyone either occasionally or every day, but they are very different psychological states.
Alayah Barton, Health and Wellness Editor
Everyone experiences worry at some point in their lives. You’re probably worried about something right now. Whether it’s something small like what to eat for dinner or something more important like your loved one’s health, either way, worry permeates many people’s lives.
Worry and anxiety are often used interchangeably in everyday speech. While worry is a part of anxiety, it’s not the same thing. Worrying takes up your headspace, whereas anxiety becomes persistent and excessive.
Understanding the distinction between worry and anxiety as well as defining an anxiety disorder might help to eliminate the common misconception that anxiety is synonymous with worry.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition where an individual may experience fear and dread in responding to certain things and situations as well as the physical signs of heart pumping and sweating.
It’s normal to have anxiety. People can feel anxious over many numbers of things like the build-up to an exam or interview, or the anxious anticipation of a roller coaster.
However, an anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness you may feel from time to time and can make it difficult to get through the day.
Here are the most common types of anxiety:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Many individuals experience stress on a regular basis, but if an individual worry excessively, to the point that it interferes with their everyday life, they may be experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD symptoms might include an inability to relax, difficulties concentrating, dread of making the wrong decision, and excessive worrying about small or large concerns. Physical symptoms of GAD include nausea, fatigue, sweating, trembling, and difficulty sleeping.
Some people develop GAD as children and don’t notice symptoms until their adults, yet living with GAD may be very difficult. In most cases, it occurs along with mood disorders or other anxieties.
2. Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can interfere with school, work, and other daily activities.
A person with a social anxiety disorder has symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and feelings of uncertainty in social situations.
Although people know that their fear is unreasonable, they’re unable to control it, so they either avoid these situations entirely or endure them while experiencing intense distress.
3. Panic Disorder
People with panic disorder have frequent and sudden panic attacks. These panic attacks are characterized by a sudden and unexpected feeling of terror and a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger.
During a panic attack, an individual might experience sweating, heart palpitations, chest pains, and a feeling like they’re choking.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.
The Difference Between Worriednes and Anxiety
Although worry and anxiety are a part of the human experience, the two are very different psychological states.
Worry is the feeling of unease or being overly concerned about a situation. One may worry about their health or the health of a loved one, money problems concerning rent, and strained relationships with family, co-workers, and friends.
Whereas anxiety is the reaction to stressful and dangerous situations. For people with anxiety, it doesn’t go away and can get worse over time and often interferes with one’s personal and professional life. Unlike worry, anxiety is also a clinical diagnosis with treatment options available.
One method to tell if you’re experiencing anxiety or just worry is if you can control it. If you can, it’s more likely to worry, but if it becomes more difficult to manage, this may indicate that it has developed into anxiety.
Destigmatize Anxiety Disorder
One of the most significant aspects of stigma is that it can cause individuals to reject or exclude those who are dealing with issues with their mental health.
Anxiety stigma may lead to lower self-worth and confidence, as well as a sense of social isolation from friends and family. This social isolation may increase someone’s anxiety and dread of being stigmatized.
It’s also typical for individuals who suffer from GAD or another sort of anxiety to believe that if they express their problems to friends and family, they’ll be judged and treated differently because of past experiences.
As a result, we must take actions to eliminate stigma, such as openly discussing mental health and being mindful of our language. Instead of saying, “He’s nervous,” which characterizes a person, try saying, “He is an anxious person.”
It’s also crucial to note that anxiety is only one aspect of a person’s personality. Anxiety, even if expressed openly, does not define a person.
Sources
“Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders.
Person, et al. “What’s the Difference between Worry and Anxiety?” Intermountainhealthcare.org,
4 Nov. 2020,
Wang, Arick. “4 Ways to Fight the Stigma Associated with Anxiety.” Anxiety.org, 14 June 2017,
Will Meek, PhD. “Confronting Fears and Barriers from Your Generalized Anxiety Disorder.”
Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 18 Jan. 2021,
https://www.verywellmind.com/overcoming-stigma-for-generalized-anxiety-disorder-1393170.
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