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Anxiety Disorders

How much is too much worry?

Answered by David Johnson, MSW, LICSW

Question

How do I know if my anxiety is normal or not? I have always been a person who thinks a lot about things and it is rare that I don’t lie awake for a while most nights worrying about something or other. This is just always the way I have been, since I have been an adult anyway. A friend recently suggested that my worrying wasn’t normal and that I should consider seeing someone about it. It really surprised e to hear her say this as I had never really considered the possibility that I might be mentally ill. So is how I am normal or abnormal – and how can I tell the difference between the two?

If you don't think your worry is a problem, if it causes you no more than minor annoyance, then its not a problem. Mental illness interferes with a persons ability to work, maintain relationships and take care of personal business. Lack of sleep may signal a problem IF it causes you problems in the above areas.

About the Expert

David Johnson

MSW, LICSW

Champlin, United States of America

Specialties

Dissociative Disorders, Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Personality Disorders, Child or Adolescent Issues, Divorce, Trauma and PTSD, Life Coaching, Psychosis, Mood Disorders, Parenting, Spirituality, Anxiety or Fears, Relationship Issues, Impulse Control Disorders, Elderly Persons Disorders, Women, Loss or Grief, Thinking Disorders, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life

License

my_license #2338