Table of Contents
How does the worry tree work?
It systematically guides clients to distinguish whether they are experiencing real event or hypothetical event worry, and then to engage in problem-solving (real event worry) or distraction / worry postponement (hypothetical event worry). First, subjects believe that worrying can prevent negative outcomes from happening, minimize the effects of negative events by decreasing guilt, avoiding disappointment, or provide distraction from thinking about things that are even worse. Classifying Worries There are two main types of worries; practical worries and hypothetical worries. Worry is temporary. There’s a concerning situation (like COVID-19) and you worry about it. Worry prods you to use problem-solving skills to address your concerns. Anxiety is persistent, even when concerns are unrealistic.
How do you use a WorryTree?
Try to work on acting differently (See ‘Managing Worry’ resource). If the worry is a current problem that you can do something about, then take the following action. Can you do anything about the worry now or later? If now decide on an action of how to deal with the worry, do it, then let the worry go. Day-to-day worries are a normal part of life. In fact, some worry is actually a good thing. Normal worry tells us when we might be in trouble or when something might be wrong. If we didn’t worry at all, we’d probably have a hard time getting out of bed and off to work. By worrying about something, we are more likely to think of reasons to take action and be motivated to do something – Edward Watkins. However, psychologists have also defined worry as emotional experiences involving unpleasant and persistent thoughts about the future. Undeniably, there are many harms from worry. Here’s the takeaway: Worry happens in your mind, stress happens in your body, and anxiety happens in your mind and your body. In small doses, worry, stress and anxiety can be positive forces in our lives.
What is the purpose of WorryTree?
The worry tree helps children offload worries instead of dwelling on them. Try practising this activity with your child when they’re feeling calm. They can then learn to use it when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Print a copy of the worry tree or draw your own. Worry is temporary. There’s a concerning situation (like COVID-19) and you worry about it. Worry prods you to use problem-solving skills to address your concerns. Anxiety is persistent, even when concerns are unrealistic. It often compromises your ability to function. “While many of us are intuitively aware that worry makes us anxious and upset, research shows that we still tend to lean on worry when facing problems in our lives. One reason for this is that we may worry as a way to feel emotionally prepared for negative outcomes. Worry is a natural part of the human condition. It has historically played a vital role in our survival and it helps us cope with many of the challenges we face today. At the same time, worry that is too intense, too frequent, and too unrelenting can definitely cut down on your happiness and enjoyment of life.