Anxiety: What Is It?

For some people, anxious thoughts come easily ... it's a part of who they are and have always been ... they just worry a lot.

Let's say the phone rings at 6 a.m.

Some people might think: "Hmmm ... that's a little early for a phone call."

And others might think: "Something terrible's happened."

When something like this happens to you ... what kind of thoughts go through your head?

Do you imagine the worst thing that could happen?

Modern life makes it easy to worry ... and both stress and anxiety cause worry.

But stress has more to do with worrying about actual problems ... things that are happening.

And anxiety has more to do with worrying about possible problems ... things that usually don't happen ... or that aren't nearly as dangerous or scary as your mind thinks.

Now ... sometimes, this kind of anxious worrying can feel like a good way to protect yourself ... like if you plan perfectly for a trip and think about everything you might need, then nothing bad could possibly happen.

But sometimes, lots of anxious worrying starts to make you feel tired and frustrated.

And it can keep you from enjoying your life.

[Man's voice] "At some point I had to ask myself if worrying about my shirt being wrinkled was worth an ulcer."

[Woman's voice] "After the birth of our son, I felt so anxious that I couldn't go anywhere with him by myself."

It can also get in the way of relationships and work ... and make it hard to sleep, relax, or think clearly.

[Man's voice] "I lie awake at night ... worrying about everything ... the rent, the pain in my back, my son's grades, my mom's health.

I can't turn it off ... I've always been that way."

[Woman's voice] "I often avoid people because I'm afraid of saying something stupid ... or ... even worse ... just having my mind go blank.

It's just easier to be by myself."

After hearing these stories ... do you think anxiety might be an issue for you?

If so, treatment can help.