For most people, worrying is something that is at most an occasional, short-lived problem. Normal worrying can even be beneficial because it can lead a person to be more cautious. But according to the American Psychological Association, at www.apa.org, about one in four people have chronic worry, an anxiety disorder requiring professional treatment. For those with chronic worry, it can be all-consuming and extremely stressful.

Chronic worry can cause heart attacks, high blood pressure, ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, muscular aches and pains, skin rashes, asthma and a host of other conditions.

As a sign of the times, people everywhere are feeling a larger than normal amount of worry. According to the APA’s 2008 Stress in America survey, 80 percent of Americans say that money and the state of the economy are two of their top sources of stress and worry. The APA states that while people worry most about their jobs, relationships, children and health, there are other indirect worries that add up. Those worries include events such as crime, war and famine in other countries, and even stock market volatility. Like most of our everyday stress, this extra tension can be managed in a healthy manner.

What can you do?

According to the APA, the ill effects of extreme stress are worst when people ignore the symptoms or fail to manage them. Psychologists advise to be more mindful of your stress levels and the emotional and physical symptoms of excessive stress, which can include irritability, problems sleeping, and changes in appetite, headaches, stomachaches, nervousness, excessive worry, and feeling sad and depressed. It is important to determine what causes your stress and then find ways to address the problem.

Reduce your anxiety level with the following suggestions from the APA:

• Psychologists first suggest taking a pause and not panicking about the situation.
• Get the facts. Worry is often based on a lack of information or misinformation.
• Eliminate the need for worry. Set money aside if you worry over finances. If you have problems at work, talk to your boss, and if you have medical concerns that have been worrying you, make that appointment to see your doctor.
• Never be alone with your worry. Talk to someone about your anxieties.
• Get exercise. Moderate physical activity at least three times a week is not only good for your physique – when you exercise, you also reduce anxiety and depression.
• Find your zen. There are many ways to take a moment for you. Taking a walk in a peaceful place can give you a change of scenery and some fresh air, both of which can help improve your mood and change your perspective. Try taking a warm bath with some aromatherapy, or listen to music that is calm and soothing.

These steps should help to bring your worrying down to a manageable level, but if you find no improvement (or if you have an anxiety disorder or panic attacks), you should seek professional help.

Source: The Stress in America survey is part of the American Psychological Association's Mind/Body Health public education campaign. For more information on the survey of for more help om managing stress, visit http://www.apahelpcenter.org.