Worry and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Worry is a temporary response to a specific concern, while anxiety can linger, affecting both the mind and body. Understanding the difference helps us better manage our emotions and reshape the way we think about our experiences.
At some point in our lives somebody has said something to us along the lines of “Quit being so worried” or “Quit being so anxious.” Nowadays, the two are often used interchangeably despite having different indications. In fact, the differences are so distinct that they differ in both symptomology and diagnoses. Due to important distinctions, it is ultimately counterintuitive to use the two interchangeably. When we even jokingly describe ourselves with words such as “an anxious person” or “stupid” for example, it sets a tone for not only others but for ourselves. Whether we believe a thought or statement can often be inconsequential. More so, if we say or think something enough times, it tends to feel very real regardless of what is true. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of what we are really experiencing and differentiating worry and anxiety.
Worry
- A natural response to a specific cause and situation
- Experience limited to our thoughts and mind
- Goes away when specific cause or situation is resolved in some manner
- Often related to realistic concerns
Anxiety
- Not necessarily a response to a direct cause or situation and extends to more broad moments
- Experience through both the body and mind with an emphasis on physical reactions
- Can be long-lasting and resurface even if the initial cause or situation is resolved
- Often related to unrealistic or unreasonable concerns
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