Constantly worrying

16 Jan

Worry isn’t the same as problem-solving. Problem-solving moves towards an outcome. Worry loops. It replays conversations, imagines futures, and runs mental simulations that never quite resolve.

Worry often develops as an attempt to prevent bad outcomes. The mind learns that staying mentally active feels safer than letting go, even if it doesn’t actually reduce uncertainty.

Your brain is trying to protect you by anticipating risk. Unfortunately, it’s using repetition instead of resolution. That’s not a failure — it’s a misapplied survival strategy.

Persistent uncontrollable worry can increase stress hormone levels, impair memory and concentration, and make it harder to enjoy everyday moments.

If you recognise yourself here, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to make sense of it on your own.

In this short series, I unpack the seven common experiences of anxiety. These are patterns many people recognise in themselves — sometimes quietly, sometimes uncomfortably. If you see yourself in one or more of these, it may mean your nervous system has been working hard for a long time.

Constantly worrying

Worrying about different things

Feeling nervous or on edge

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