Common Areas of Worry

Worry can manifest in countless way about almost anything. However, there are types of worries that many experience. See the following list of common worries:

Unknown or Unfamiliar Future Events

Some examples include: Doing something for the first time that you've never done before, going to a new place that you've never visited previously, meeting a new person for the first time.

Social Relationships

Some examples include: concerns over being negatively viewed or judged by others; being rejected by friends, family or romantic partners; what if my friends are angry with me, etc.

Safety and Health

Concerns about getting injured (e.g., car accident), being harmed by others (e.g., assaulted) , or developing a serious illness (e.g., cancer). Someone who is worried about their health might ruminate on symptoms they are experiencing, constantly searching for information online and imagining worst-case scenarios.

Money

Concerns about being able to pay bills, afford unforeseen emergency expenses, get out of debt, or save for retirement.

Natural/Man-made Catastrophes

Concerns about natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes) or man-made catastrophes including global warming, wars, terrorism and political instability.

Academic/Career

Concerns about doing well on tests, work performance, getting things done, making mistakes, participating in classes or meetings, and failing or getting fired.

Minor Worries

Concerns about little things like being late for an appointment, losing or forgetting things, getting lost, or making the wrong decision about minor things.