I constantly worry
When your mind won't switch off
Does your mind get caught in loops of “what if” scenarios?
You might feel tense or restless or find it difficult to concentrate because your mind is elsewhere. Perhaps your fears are difficult to manage even when you know they're unlikely to happen. Sleep may have become a struggle because your brain won't “switch off”. You might also find yourself avoiding certain situations or checking things repeatedly to manage your worries.
There may be a lot going on in your life. You might be wondering whether you're on the right career path or performing well enough at work. You may be worried about saving for a home or making ends meet. Perhaps you've experienced a romantic disappointment, are trying to work out how to be a better partner, or are wondering whether a relationship will work out.
Broader concerns about things like world politics or climate change can add another layer. When you're juggling several competing demands, constant worry can start to feel like the price of keeping everything together.
Why worry can be so difficult to stop
Worrying is one way your mind tries to protect you. By anticipating problems, it gives you an opportunity to prepare yourself.
Everyone worries at times. But when your mind is constantly anticipating what could go wrong, it becomes exhausting. It can affect your sleep, relationships, work and your ability to enjoy what's happening around you.
You may understand intellectually that worrying isn't helping while still finding it incredibly difficult to stop.
Understanding what's keeping the worry going
In therapy, we can look at why your worries persist and why your mind keeps getting caught in particular loops.
We'll explore the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that may be keeping the worry going and develop practical skills for responding differently and coping with uncertainty.
We can also look beneath the worry itself. Why does a particular situation feel so significant? What is your mind trying to protect you from? Are there patterns in the situations that tend to trigger your worry?
Developing this understanding can make your responses feel less confusing while giving you practical ways to manage them. It can also help you reconnect with what matters to you beneath the noise of your fears, allowing more space for focus, sleep and a greater sense of calm despite life's uncertainties.
Begin a conversation
If you’d like to learn more about working together, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute call.
It’s a chance to tell me a little about what’s brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have and see whether I might be the right psychologist for you.
