Worrying can lead to frustration, self doubt

Worry – one of life’s greatest time wasters – can lead to health problems, promote difficulties in concentration and interfere with interpersonal relationships.

There are several types of worriers:

• For example, let’s take the nit-picker. This type of worrier can’t let go of details. Anything not done to his or her standard is considered a personal failure. These individuals tie their whole sense of self worth to their job and find little personal gratification outside their work. They often take work home in the evening, on weekends and may awaken in the middle of the night worrying about something that didn’t get done or that has to be done in the future. If the nit-picker is a homemaker, this same pattern holds and those living with a homemaker nit-picker may have trouble relaxing when at home.

The nit-picker who worries about work is often unable to delegate authority and share responsibilities. Turning even a small part of their responsibilities over to someone else often illicits anxiety and fear that the job won’t be done correctly.

A new attitude that views work as a team effort rather than a solitary endeavor can assist the work–worrier. Helping the work-worrier feel a sense of security and relief by encouraging him to share his responsibilities can be a great stress reducer. By delegating work to others, this type of worrier can also begin to focus on the big picture, often becoming more creative.

• Another type of worrier worries excessively about their health. They maybe become so obsessed with fears of illness or death that they spend small fortunes on vitamins, minerals, exercise equipment and health foods. They often exhaust their energy and time by seeking prevention for imaginary ills. Sitting down with their family physician may give them a more realistic view about their worries and fears. After this, they may benefit from counseling with a professional to help understand and overcome the causes for their problem.

• The third type of worrier that I will mention in today’s column is the individual who frets and stews over imagined future catastrophes. Are we heading in to a recession? Is World War III just around the corner? Will I find the perfect mate and have perfect children? Like other types of worriers, these individuals are in a constant struggle to control the uncontrollable. One worry put aside simply yields room for the next imagined catastrophe, defeat, rejection, etc. These individuals often need professional assistance in learning to see healthy alternatives to their unhealthy thinking.

Letting go of worries can be complicated and difficult. Examining the need for control and perfection is often at the root of the problem but a new perspective can be achieved with time and effort.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2001