The Difference Between Worry and Anxiety Podcast


Lynn Northrop, PhD, a clinical psychologist affiliated with Sharp, answers these and more questions. Listen to the full audio clip to learn more.

Dr. Lynn Northrop

Do seniors worry more than younger people?
I would say that seniors worry about the same amount as people of any age. Seniors may worry about different things than do younger people.

Is it okay to worry?
Well, it depends on whether that worry is productive, or whether it's what we call "toxic worry." So productive worry leads to problem solving. Toxic worriers tend to worry about a lot of different things, all the while causing themselves physiological distress.

What are the symptoms of anxiety? 
Periods of increased heart rate or shortness of breath or stomach upset, "butterflies" in the stomach, gastrointestinal distress.

When should I get help?
If you are anxious to the point where it's interfering with your quality of life or getting in the way of your ability to get things done, then that means it's time to ask for help.

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