Worry and Anxiety are words people use interchangeably but both are different psychological states and how we experience them is quite different. One is more serious than the other.
So how do you know you are just worried or anxious or going through an anxiety disorder? One of the main aspects is when it starts to impact your life negatively.
Thoughts v/s Body
We tend to experience worry in our minds. Whereas anxiety comprises of thoughts, emotions, and physiological effects. In anxiety, you are distracted, have feelings of guilt and fear and most importantly feel anxiety in a racing heartbeat, rising blood pressure, dizziness, upset stomach, lightheadedness, and excessive sweating.
Temporary v/s Persistent
Worry tends to be situation-specific and temporary, taking action or problem solving diminishes and disappears and makes you feel better. Anxiety is so overpowering that it is impossible to engage in problem-solving. Therefore, anxiety is persistent and affects your quality of life.
Fact v/s Belief
Worry is specific to a situation that seems stressful to the individual. But anxiety arises from the irrational thoughts about the future that might happen in reality and are far more widespread and vaguer.
Manageable v/s uncontrollable
Worry is manageable with the help of effective problem solving and even when we are worried about something, we know we can get on track. Whereas, anxiety is intense and it is almost impossible to control the racing thoughts and anxiety. But someone struggling with anxiety might find it difficult to shift attention to something else and are preoccupied with anxious thoughts.
Impact on life
Everyday worry is not enormous that it affects everyday functioning. Anxiety tends to be much more severe and causes trouble concentrating, sleeping, in relationships, at work and more.
Professional help
Worry does not need treatment whereas someone with anxiety can definitely benefit from professional help. Worry can be dealt with problem-solving and if not that then self-help books can help with effective tips and tricks for growth. Anxiety often requires professional help because of its severe intensity, long duration and effects on functioning.
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