Obsessions differ from worries because they are experienced as intrusive. We tell you more about its main differences.
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between worry and obsession? Well, experiencing worry throughout the day is not a problem in itself.
We all worry about different things and we try to take actions to prevent what we do not want from happening. The drawback is when it is presented excessively, to the point of discomfort.
Worry is often confused with obsession in everyday language. However, both have certain differences that should be considered. To understand each term, below we detail what each one is about.
What is worry and what is obsession?
The concern refers to a chain of thoughts with a negative connotation regarding future events or probable occurrence, over which there is no control. Throughout the day, it is common for people to experience various worries, for example:
- “I have to close a report.”
- “I must tell my husband not to forget to buy the remedy.”
- “How will my grandfather be?”
In general, they are usually concerns related to everyday issues, so it is normal for all of us to experience them. In fact, this can help us anticipate some scenarios and prepare better.
However, this very belief can leave us locked in a trap; that of worrying constantly, about all the issues of life, with the belief that in this way we can prevent that event that worries us so much.
It is there when the worry stops being healthy and functional to become excessive. Without proper control, it begins to compromise well-being. You can even lead to various disorderssuch as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
So, it acquires pathological nuances because they become the protagonists of thoughts and generate a deterioration both at a rational and personal level. They can also lead to the manifestation of other symptoms, such as the following:
- Discomfort.
- Anxiety.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating on other subjects.
- Sleep disorders.
It can be said that the «common and current» concerns do not differ from those that are presented in the TAG; in this case, what varies is the tolerance for uncertainty (low) and the way it is experienced (high intensity).
What is obsession?
On the other hand, obsessions are defined as recurring thoughts or images, experienced as intrusive. These cause discomfort, anxiety and anguish in a significant way.
Although people try to eliminate or neutralize them to reduce the discomfort they cause, they are very difficult to control. As much as they try to get them out of their heads, they soon return.
The problem is that rituals or acts of compulsion that the person considers “necessary” to calm their obsession are often performed over and over again. However, it is these same acts that feed it back and maintain it.
3 differences between worry and obsession
Many times, worry and obsession are confused. However, they both have clear differences. Next, we detail them.
1. Content
As we have already mentioned, worries usually refer to everyday problems, to topics that people see as “logical”. Instead, obsessions are considered inappropriate, such as the fact of having to check again and again that the gas has been properly closed or having to step only on certain tiles on a sidewalk to prevent things from going wrong.
The content of the obsessions usually focuses on the following topics:
- Contamination (for example, by touching certain objects or surfaces).
- The order (things must be arranged in a certain way).
- Hurt someone or say rude things.
- Accumulation of objects.
Although the person recognizes that the obsessions are their own thoughts, not imposed “from outside”, he recognizes them as intrusive and ego-dystonic (they cause discomfort).
2. time
The obsessions take a lot of time (for example, every time the rituals of checking that the gas is closed are executed). Worries, if the situation has not become more complex, occupy our minds for only a moment. Generally, until the way out or the solution to the matter is found.
3. intensity
Unlike worries (about the family, buying something for dinner, not forgetting to fill gas, etc.), obsessions are usually “single-issue” and take over all our thinking.
For example, they may refer to the ‘category’ of pollution/hygiene, and focus on it in different ways. In addition, tend to prevent other activities (This is also related to the time they demand).
On the other hand, worries live with us daily and do not prevent us from carrying out other tasks while we think about them.
Recognizing each situation is key
From these differences, it is important to pay attention to how they are presented. Determining the intensity will be decisive to be able to intervene in a timely manner. When a concern is sporadic or we manage to reduce it, there is no problem.
Now, when our daily life is affected, when we begin to have problems at work or with our partner, it is necessary to act and ask for help to prevent the situation from becoming more complex.
Examples of a concern and an obsession
One concern would be getting the flu in the winter. To do this, a person takes certain precautions to prevent it; for example, take vitamin C to have the highest defenses, get vaccinated, go out with enough clothing, etc. In this case, life goes on but some precautions are taken.
Now, an obsession with catching the flu in winter can lead the person to wash their hands continuously for fear that the virus is on objects. It can also lead to constant queries on the internet regarding symptoms. It even leads to regular medical visits.
That is, in this case, all the activities of the person end up dealing with the issue of contamination or contagion of the flu.
You can live with peace of mind, even with worries
Worries, within a certain “framework,” are perfectly normal and to be expected. Even, they are a source of protection, since they allow us to anticipate situations; “I am afraid that my baby will get sick, so I take him warm for a walk in the park”. You have to normalize certain concerns.
However, when these are excessive and cause suffering, it is best to seek professional help. The psychologist can help find coping resources to avoid obsessions and improve quality of life. Although the worries will not go away, it will change the way you see them.