Worries And Anxiety: Just The Facts

Is worrying stopping you doing what you want to do?

Worry is a part of life, and can be helpful in motivating us to make sure ourselves, our friends and family and those we care about are OK. For example, if you’re worrying about a pet or family member who is ill then that is completely normal.

But too much worry when it’s not actually needed can be unhelpful, and can get in the way of letting us enjoy our lives.

If your pet or family member was fit and well and you were still really worried, then that might be unhealthy for you. Worry can be like an oversensitive car alarm going off even when there is nothing really to worry about.

Worry can feel very similar to anger – you may feel that your heart races, you might feel sweaty and sick or faint. This is your body telling you that you feel threatened.

Tackling your worries

• Challenging your worries is helpful – think about how likely the worry is to happen. What might you say to someone else who’s experiencing this worry?
• If you are still worried, talk to someone you can trust at home or in school

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: Childline- Managing your anxiety
  
• w: YoungMinds
  
• w: Papyrus