If you are a small business owner, the answer to this question is predictable: “Do you worry too much? Well, it shouldn’t be that way…but too often it is. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 31.1 percent of U.S. adults experience some form of anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. So even if you don’t own a business,  chances are you are still going to worry from time to time — or more often. According to the Anxiety and Depression American Association (ADAA) almost 40 million American adults suffer from chronic worrying of other related anxiety disorders. Writing for the wellness blog, Pick the Brain, Marwan Jamal recently outlined some reasons why people worry so much and what can be done to address the problem. (See entire article here.)


(Note | Excessive worry can be a sign of serious depression or anxiety or other types of mental illness. If you or a family member is experiencing serious anxiety or depression, you can use this directory provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to find local help.)


 

Some reasons why small business owners — and others —  are consumed with worry

#1 | Seeking unattainable certainty and control

Two things that cause great anxiety are (1) lack of control and (2) uncertainty. For that reason, you may think that the key to reducing worrying is to seek more certainty about the things you`re afraid of. But most of the problems that chronic worriers deal with are caused by their refusal to accept the possibility of a negative event happening in the future.  Accept that you can’t control the uncontrollable, nor certainty in an uncertain world. If you don’t accept that, it will make things worse.”

#2 | Attempting to suppress your worries

Worrying suppresses emotional expression, which will make it tougher to overcome a fear. Communicate your worries to other people instead of keeping them suppressed. Call somebody, keep a journal or simply talk loudly to yourself.

3# | Thinking rather than doing

Worry burns up the energy you need to get the job done. You should bash through any worries. Take more action than you think you should. Exercise, yoga and other techniques can help you get back on track.

#4  | Believing that things are worse than they really are 

Remind yourself and accept this truth: Ninety-five percent of worries never come true,” says Professor Evelyn Behar from the University of Illinois. “And with the things that do come true, people end up coping much better than they ever expected.”


Via | PickTheBrain.com “Do you worry too much? 4 Worrying Mistakes You Should Stop Making

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