In light of World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), Raj Bassi, CBT Therapist at Midland Health, is urging people to recognise when everyday stress tips over into something more serious, and is sharing the hidden dangers excessive worrying can have on both your mental and physical health.
“Stress is a normal part of life. A busy week at work, an unexpected bill, or preparing for an important event can all make us feel overwhelmed. In fact, stress in small doses can even be helpful. After all, it pushes us to prepare, perform, and protect ourselves. But when stress spirals into constant worrying, it may signal something more serious, such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
“Stress is the body’s natural response to an external cause, and it usually passes once the challenge has been managed. Anxiety, on the other hand, can persist long after the event and may not even be tied to a clear cause. Excessive worrying means your mind is stuck in overdrive, constantly running through ‘what ifs’ and imagining worst-case scenarios.”
Signs Stress May Be Controlling Your Life
While everyone worries at times, it’s important to know the red flags that indicate that stress may have taken over. These include:
- Worrying excessively about everyday situations, from job security to being late
- Finding it hard to control your worries or “switch off”
- Feeling irritable, restless, or constantly on edge
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, trembling, or shortness of breath
The Hidden Impact on Your Body
“When worry dominates your day-to-day life, even small problems can feel overwhelming. Over time, this cycle of anxiety and stress can lead to harmful coping mechanisms such as overeating, smoking, or excessive drinking.
“But excessive worrying doesn’t just affect your mental well-being. It can also impact your body. For instance, chronic stress floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol, triggering the fight or flight response day after day. Over time, this can weaken your immune system, strain the heart, and even increase the risk of serious conditions such as digestive disorders, memory loss, or even heart disease. Left untreated, it can also contribute to depression or suicidal thoughts.
“If you’ve found yourself worrying most days, and it’s affecting your sleep, concentration, mood, or physical health, it could be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder. A doctor, psychologist, or mental health professional can help by assessing your symptoms and ruling out other causes.
“With the right support, you can regain control and prevent excessive worry from taking over your life.”
