Worry and Anxiety

Occasional worry is a normal part of life.

Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But usually, the worry goes away.

When worry lasts for 6 months or longer—even in the absence of life changes— and interferes with daily activities, such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships, it may be an anxiety disorder.

If you’re worrying a lot and the worrying becomes hard to control, you should get help from a professional. This is especially true if you also have any of the physical symptoms below.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Feeling restless, agitated, or on edge
• Getting tired easily
• Having trouble concentrating
• Feeling irritable
• Experiencing muscle tension or knots
• Trouble sleeping, including falling or staying asleep

If you have several of these symptoms more days than not for at least 6 months and you have a hard time controlling your worry, you should talk to a health care provider.

This information is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis or suggested treatments for anxiety disorders and cannot take the place of seeing a mental health professional.

• Take five.
  Even 5 minutes to take care of yourself can make a difference.  Take a deep breath and relax.
• Be Active.
  Take a walk, stretch, or do another physical activity that works for you.
• Connect with others.
  Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, or your faith community.
• Take a break from the news and social media.
  Spending too much time watching or reading news can create feelings of distress.
• Get help from a professional, especially if your worry does not go away.
  If you think you have anxiety, a health care provider may help diagnose your symptoms and find the right treatment.
• Make an appointment with a counselor.
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.