More Than Worry

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin hit the radio waves and told us, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." However, when it comes to those of us with anxiety, things aren't that easy.

Sure, we all worry from time to time about a specific problem, but anxiety is a consistent, intense and unfounded feeling of dread that can disrupt your daily life. For example, you might worry about being late for work because you're stuck in traffic behind an accident.

However, a person with anxiety might slip into a rabbit hole of worst-case scenarios. Being late means you'll be fired, which will lead to not being able to pay the mortgage, which will lead to the whole family being homeless. And once a brain is on that track, it can be hard to change directions.

While we're all different, anxiety can manifest as more than persistent thoughts. Other symptoms include aches and pains, compulsions, difficulty concentrating, feeling faint, nausea and rapid heartbeat.

Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million Americans and are the most common mental health condition. However, more than half of us don't seek the treatment we need. Maybe it's because of stigma, but it could also be that we don't always recognize that what we're feeling is more than worry or that it can be treated like any other medical condition.

Anxiety can be caused by traumatic events, prolonged stress, hormonal changes, brain chemistry and even genetics. Symptoms may also differ based on gender. Women tend to have more internalized symptoms, such as persistent worry, fear or a sense of impending doom, while men may act irritable, restless or aggressive.

Researchers theorize that women may be more prone to anxiety than men because their fight-or-flight response is triggered more easily and stays active longer than men's. In addition, the lack of the neurotransmitter serotonin may also play a role in anxiety, especially since women's brains don't process it as quickly.

Estrogen and progesterone, the primary female hormones, also can intensify the body's response to stress, making women more susceptible to anxiety. This is particularly noticeable during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause—times hormone levels fluctuate.

But never fear! There are ways to "Bobby McFerrin" yourself. If intense worry and fear interfere with your sleep or daily tasks, consider contacting a healthcare provider who can diagnose anxiety disorders and help you find ways to manage them through therapy, medications and lifestyle changes.

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