Worrying Effects

Unlike other anxiety disorders which increase physiological activities such as heart rate, worry actually begins to suppress such activities.

A team at the University of California found that women who worried about either the medical aspects or the cost of their assisted reproductive technology cases were less likely to become pregnant than women who were less concerned.

Common physical effects:

• Digestive problems - nausea/diarrhoea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Sleeplessness.
• Vague somatic pains.

Common emotional and behavioural effects:

• Feelings of helplessness.
• Difficulty with making decisions.
• A lack of self-confidence.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Panic attacks.

Self-help:

• Learn to relax.
• Get adequate sleep at night.
• Take regular exercise such as a brisk 20-minute walk a few days a week.
• Eat a balanced, high-fibre diet and take regular meals.
• Avoid high caffeine and alcohol intake which can increase anxiety and worsen worrying.
• Try complementary therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy.