Shepley First School

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry.
APA (American Psychological Association)

What is the difference between 'worry' and 'anxiety'?
• We tend to feel worry in our heads, and anxiety in our bodies
• Worry tends to be specific, anxiety more general
• Worry can be more verbally focused while anxiety includes verbal thoughts and mental/physical affects
• Worry can trigger problem solving behaviour, anxiety does not (unless aware)
• Worry creates mild distress, anxiety more severe
• Worry is caused by realistic concerns whilst anxiety often irrational
• Worry tends to be controllable, anxiety much less so
• Worry can be a temporary state, anxiety often lingers
• Worry doesn’t impact our day-to-day functioning, anxiety does
• Worry is considered a “normative” psychological state, whilst unnecessary anxiety is not