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?
There are a number of synonyms that can be used for worry, including fear, fretting, or disturbance. Most often the way that most people characterize experiencing constant worries is feeling anxious.
What is a stronger word for worried?
Excessive worry over everyday situations can start to move into the territory of anxiety. According to a special health report published by Harvard Medical School, anxiety is a normal feeling, and occasional anxiety can actually be positive in some cases. However, when you feel anxious most of the time, feel intense anxiety for little or no reason, or visualize worst case scenarios that impact everyday life, you may be experiencing one of the anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, or panic disorder.
Are anxiety disorders the same thing as worrying?
Excessive and persistent worry are symptoms of anxiety disorders, but not everyone who worries necessarily has an anxiety disorder. Some common generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Persistent and consistent worry for no apparent reason
Feelings of impending doom
Negative thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Physical symptoms like heart palpitations, body aches, chest pain, muscle tightness, hot flashes, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, or exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome
Panic attacks
Extreme self-consciousness
People who experience clinical anxiety fall into different categories depending on the symptoms and their effects on daily life and mental health. If you have frequent panic attacks, you may have panic disorder. If your anxiety about “performing” around others negatively impacts your social life, you may have social anxiety disorder.
Is anxiety a synonym for worry?
Anxiety and worry are closely related. Often the term “worry” is used when there is a specific issue at hand, while something small or even nothing at all may trigger anxiety.
Are the words worry and care synonyms?
A more outdated use of the word care can be used as a synonym for worry, but it is not often used that way today.
Is worrying bad for mental health?
When you worry excessively, it can create both mental health and physical symptoms that impact your function and enjoyment with life. An anxious brain can detract from a person’s ability to tolerate uncertainty, negatively impact relationships, and lead to depression.
What is concern vs worry?
Concern is generally directed with a purpose. You may be concerned about a specific problem, but when it is solved you may cease to become concerned about it. Worry can make a person feel tense for little or no reason at all.
What is another way to say worrying too much?
Often when someone is thought to be worrying too much, they are referred to as “anxious” or feeling anxiety. In terms of clinical psychology, being anxious and anxiety disorders are different things, as one is an emotional state, and the other a clinical diagnosis.
What to do instead of worrying?
A mental health professional will often recommend certain lifestyle habits and stress management techniques to help decrease worry in a person's life. Some of these include:
Using relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation to focus on the present moment
Practicing good sleep hygiene habits to get enough sleep
Getting regular exercise
Alternative treatments that reduce stress such as massage therapy or acupuncture
If your anxiety gets to a point that it is affecting your life or relationships in a negative way, or promoting substance abuse in an attempt to manage it, it may be time to seek professional help from a therapist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. Therapy can treat GAD by identifying any traumatic event that may have precipitated symptoms, help you learn to process your emotions through approaches like exposure therapy, and offer healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety. Support group settings may also help. In some severe cases, a provider may recommend prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Is it worry or generalized anxiety disorder?
Occasional worry can be a normal part of life. However, if you find that your worry is not related to current life events or related to a present danger, causes depression, or is disruptive to the point that it is impacting your personal life, these can be warning signs that you are experiencing an anxiety disorder. Those who have a family history of mental health issues can be at greater risk for developing anxiety, as it has genetic components.
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