Worry and Generalised Anxiety
We all worry from time to time. Worrying and feeling anxious is a normal reaction when we feel uncertain. Chronic worrying, on the other hand, can become excessive with worries and worrisome thoughts, leading to anxiety disorders and taking over a person's life.
When anxiety, worries, and worrisome thoughts become persistent and excessive, cognitive avoidance can negatively impact physical and emotional wellbeing and get in the way of day-to-day functioning. This article discusses some standard features of worry, such as excessive worrying, worrisome thoughts, and risk factors, and how you can get support if this concerns you.
Worry and Generalised Anxiety
There is no one-size-fits-all definition of worries, excessive worrying, worrisome thoughts, or anxiety disorders. For some people, worry, including excessive worrying and worrisome thoughts, is a small inconvenience that comes and goes as needed. It’s common to worry sometimes. For others, excessive worrying and worrisome thoughts are a continuous companion that is difficult to overcome. It can feel like excessive worrying is chronic, worrisome, and taking over habits.
Persistent and excessive anxiety, worries, and worries are central features of generalised anxiety disorder. People who experience difficulties with worry and generalised anxiety may find themselves often worrying about various domains, including work, health, study, etc. They may also find it difficult to control their worry.
Common physical symptoms associated with excessive worry and anxiety, worries include feeling restless or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and/or sleeping problems.
While it is expected to have worries and feel anxious from time to time, it can be helpful to seek support if this worry and anxiety is to the extent that it significantly impacts your functioning, poses a risk, or causes ongoing distress.
Common Features of Worry and Generalised Anxiety
A common feature of generalised anxiety and worry, negative emotionality, and risk is difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Uncertainty is a normal part of life - it’s impossible to be 100% sure of the future or what might happen next.
Some individuals are better able to tolerate uncertainty and excessive worry than others, reducing negative emotionality and promoting health. People who experience generalised anxiety find tolerating uncertainty unpleasant and uncomfortable and may try to avoid or control this discomfort by engaging in the following behaviours.
Worrying, in an attempt to anticipate problems or ‘worst case scenarios.’
Excessive planning in advance for how they might deal with difficult situations
Constant checking and/or reassurance seeking to try and reduce feeling uncertain
Suppressing worrisome thoughts
Avoiding situations that cause worry or make them feel anxious or nervous
Procrastinating about getting things done or putting tasks off because it feels too much
What can I do if I’m concerned about worry and generalised anxiety?
If you find that you are worrying excessively about health, there are a number of techniques that can effectively reduce worry. Some individuals find that journaling or writing down their worries helps to reduce their anxiety. Others find relief through exercise, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
It may be helpful to reach out for professional support if you are concerned that worry and anxiety are excessive and impacting your day-to-day functioning. One of the recommended psychological treatments for generalised anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
This treatment may include relaxation and anxiety management techniques, techniques to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about worry and anxiety, problem-solving skills, and other strategies to help increase tolerance for uncertainty and reduce avoidance behaviours.
At ELD Psychology, we have experience in treating generalised anxiety. Get in touch for more information on how we can support you.
Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle
Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.
Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who has experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings.
She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).
Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders.
She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.
Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.
Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health, treating adults with various mental health issues.
Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.
Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.
Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.
Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.