Worry
Is worry a synonym for anxiety?
When you are getting ready to start a new job, go on a first date or make a class presentation, it can be perfectly natural to feel worried. Sweaty palms or an increase in heart rate in uncertain situations can be common as well. Worry, worry, worry—and worry, worry, worrying some more. Some people have difficulty finding peace of mind on a daily basis, and it seems their word of the day or even word of the year, is worry. The word itself conjures up images of related words—such as trouble, stress, anxiety, and depression.
This form of nervousness can be a natural response to feeling threatened, regardless of whether the perceived threat is physical or emotional. In many cases, people may choose to use “worry” as a synonym for anxiety disorder symptoms, although this isn’t an accurate synonym.
When “what ifs,” self-doubt, and tense shoulders become more than worry is when these symptoms might persist and interfere with a person’s day-to-day life. In this article, we will explore the differences between everyday worries and anxiety disorders and what you can do if symptoms of anxiety disorders or worry are causing disruptions in your life.
Differences between the words "worry" and "anxiety disorders"
The overlap in similarities between worry and anxiety disorder-related symptoms can make it difficult to identify the difference between the two. However, there are usually several. We’ve summarized possible key areas of difference below:
Worrying does not disrupt your daily life; anxiety disorders can
Where common feelings of worry may not require you to take sick days, cancel plans or abandon commitments, anxiety can disrupt your everyday ability to function in confidence.
Worry can be specific, whereas anxiety disorders may be vague or generalized
Many worries can be pinpointed, such as worrying about an upcoming event or project at work. A reason for feelings that can be felt within an anxiety disorder may be more difficult to identify, possibly making you feel like you are worried for “no reason.”
Worry can be temporary, whereas anxiety disorders may be persistent
When you worry about things such as making a presentation, or making a big life decision, your worry might decrease after the task is done. In contrast, anxiety disorders or disorder-related symptoms may stick around regardless of the situation or what you’ve accomplished.
Worry can be grounded in reality, where anxiety disorders can promote catastrophic thinking
Often, worry might stem from a place of logic. For example: Worry can lead to driving carefully and making sure to wear a seatbelt, whereas anxiety disorders may prevent someone from driving at all due to an excessive fear of the risks involved.
While worry can create physical symptoms, the ones caused by anxiety disorders can be more severe or lasting
Though worry can create physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and perspiration, anxiety disorders can create lasting physical symptoms—including those related to the digestive tract. These can include symptoms such as nausea, ingestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What are some worry synonyms?
Below are a few common equivalent words for worry as a verb.
- Fret
- Agonize
- Trouble
- Bother
- Disturb
- Agitate
- Unsettle
- Perturb
- Burden
For a few common synonyms (similar words) for worry as a noun, please see below.
- Disturbance
- Concern
- Uneasiness
- Disconcertment
- Tension
- Problem
- Stress
What are anxiety disorders?
Generalized anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is generally classified by persistent feelings of fear or dread that can extend over a long period of time; perhaps months or years depending on the individual’s experience.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include:
- Feeling restless, wound-up or on-edge
- Being easily fatigued, even in times of little strain
- Worsened ability to concentrate
- Feeling irritable
- Worse headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or unexplained pains
- Having difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
For these reasons, GAD wouldn't be considered a synonym to worry.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder can be classified by intense fear or apprehension when it comes to social situations. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can make it difficult to attend work, school or other social functions.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include:
- Blushing, sweating or trembling
- Pounding or racing heart
- Stomachaches that worsen in social situations
- Rigid body posture or speaking with an overly soft voice
- Difficulty making eye contact or being around people they don’t know
- Feelings of self-consciousness or fear that people will judge them negatively
Due to these symptoms, social anxiety disorder wouldn't be considered a synonym to worry.
Panic disorder
A panic attack can be described by many as sudden feelings of intense fear and discomfort. While it is possible to experience a panic attack without developing panic disorder, the two can co-occur. Someone living with the panic disorder may experience panic attacks anywhere from several times a day to several times a year.
Symptoms of a panic attack may include:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or tingling
- Chest pain
- Feelings of worsening doom
- Feelings of being out of control
Anxiety disorders can be fairly common for many. The American Psychiatric Association reports an estimated 7% of US adults living with social anxiety disorder, and another 2% living with generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are not a synonym for worry since they describe diagnosable mental illnesses.
Living well with anxiety disorder
If persistent feelings of worry are causing discomfort or disruption in your day-to-day life, it can be possible that you are living with an anxiety disorder.
Help and treatment can be made available for those living with persistent feelings of worry. Typically, identifying the type of anxiety disorder you may be tackling can serve a helpful first step in determining what type of treatment will be most effective.
Due to the intense and overwhelming nature of many anxiety symptoms, online therapy may serve a more comfortable option for those seeking assistance. It can save you the work of having to go out or be vulnerable in a new or unfamiliar place, allowing you to possibly address your condition in a more efficient way—from the comfort of your own home or safe place.
Takeaway
If you are unsure of whether you are experiencing normal feelings of worry, or living with an anxiety disorder, it can be helpful to take an inventory of the length and severity of your symptoms and understand the terminology and common usage of the words “worry” and “anxiety”.
When using a word finder, such as a thesaurus, various synonyms, antonyms, and word usages are provided. Synonyms for “worry” include concern, burden, unease, apprehension, and more. In pop culture, the word “anxiety” may be used as a synonym for “worry”. Antonyms for “worry” include untroubled, calm, confident, joyful, and more—qualities that most people seek.
Help can be made available for those living with anxiety disorder, specifically through online therapy and peer support. BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need.
What can I say instead of worry?
Some words related to worry include stress, fear, trouble, bother, disturb, concern, frighten, anxiety, apprehensive, uneasy, uncertain, alarm, or distress.
Worry and anxiety (the 2021 Oxford Children’s Word of the Year) are commonly confused terms. Worry happens when you dwell on uncertainty, and it can be a cognitive symptom of anxiety. But anxiety is characterized by both cognitive (worry) and physical (stress) symptoms.
What is a stronger word for worried?
There are many word finders and dictionaries you can use to explore worry synonyms, antonyms, and other related words. Some words that are similar but possibly stronger than “worried” include disturbed, uneasy, distressed, anxious, or troubled.
What is a word for worry about something?
If you’re worrying about something, you might be experiencing apprehension, uncertainty, dwelling, uneasiness, misgivings, fear, anxiety, or doubt.
Is concern a synonym for worry?
Worry is an anticipatory fear about what might go wrong, whereas concern is typically based more on a calculated consideration of the situation at hand. If you are concerned about something, you might be more likely to seek solutions.
Are worry and care synonyms?
Merriam-Webster dictionary states that “care” is a moderately relevant synonym for “worry.” However, while these terms are somewhat related and often conflated, they are distinct. For example, if you worry about your garden while out of town for a month and return to dead plants, you were worried about plants you were not caring for.
How do you say I'm worried without saying it?
Some other ways to say, “I’m worried,” include: “I’m concerned,” “I’m preoccupied by this situation,” or “I’m frightened.” If you want to express that you’re worried about someone, you don’t necessarily need to find new words for worry. Consider, for a moment, how people respond when you say you’re worried about them. Does it help them, or does it burden them with your feelings? Instead, consider offering your love, support, care, and willingness to be there for them.
What is concern vs worry?
Concern is an awareness of a potential problem that needs to be addressed. It may or may not cause an emotional response, whereas worry is an emotional response to an uncertain situation.
What is the idiom for worrying too much?
Some idioms for worrying include:
At your wit’s end
Bundle of nerves
Get yourself in a tizzy
Break out in a cold sweat
Butterflies in your stomach
Holding your breath
With bated breath
The heebie-jeebies
What to do instead of worrying?
Anxiety and worry have become prominent topics in pop culture, with many people openly discussing their mental health concerns. As mental health becomes less stigmatized, it’s clear that many people navigate worry or anxiety that affects their mental health.
Books like Quit Your Worrying! by George Wharton James (available for free through Project Gutenberg), provide insight into how worry was addressed in the early 20th century. But, over time, strategies to address worrying have evolved. Today, some of the recommended self-help strategies to address worry include:
Challenge cognitive distortions, such as black-or-white thinking, overgeneralizations, perfectionism, negativity bias, or catastrophizing
Use Socratic questioning methods
Practice problem-solving skills
Consider whether you’re worrying about worst-case scenarios and, if so, remind yourself that life will always be uncertain
Try self-care strategies recommended by the Daily Beast, like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation
Incorporate healthy lifestyle practices like getting enough exercise, improving sleep quality, spending time outdoors, and eating a nutritious diet
Declutter your living and workspace
Create realistic goals and manageable to-do lists
“Stress” was the Britannica Dictionary word of the day for a reason. Stress, worry, and anxiety are common, with 74% of people in some surveys saying they’ve been so stressed recently that they were unable to cope.
Is it worry or anxiety?
Worry and anxiety are similar terms (and worry can be a symptom of anxiety), but there are some key differences:
Excessive anxiety can become a mental disorder (like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder)
Anxiety can have many types of symptoms, both cognitive (worry) and physical (stress)
Worry is a cognitive symptom of anxiety, but on its own, it won’t become a mental disorder, and it doesn’t cause physical symptoms (like elevated heart rate, sweating, or gastrointestinal distress) like anxiety can.
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