Thank you for reaching out for help! Everybody worries, worrying is a normal part of life. Is it possible to worry too much? So how do you know the difference, and how do you stop worrying? Worrying is a problem when it starts to interfere with your everyday life. Has worrying ever stopped you from hanging out with friends or joining a sports team or club at school? Do you worry excessively about what people will think about you or what you will look like if you make a mistake? Everyone makes mistakes. However, when you notice that you are spending more time worrying about things than you are actually enjoying them……it’s time to think about making some changes.

Try keeping a worry journal. When you begin to worry about something, write it down. Sometimes it helps to get it out of your head and writing it down on paper. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you think you might worry too much. What percentage of your day do you spend worrying about things? Are you worrying about things that you have no control over? Do you worry about the same things over and over? How often do you worry about things that probably won’t ever happen? How much time are you spending worrying about the "what if’s" in life?

Check out the following 99 coping skills, which can help you to refocus her thoughts on positive things: Tips to help stop worrying:

http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/tip-worryin...

Please know that there are people who can and will help you with what you are going through. You may want to consider talking with a counselor at a hotline. There are many hotlines that are 24/7 and will work with you and situations like yours. Some even have email and/or chat if you would prefer. Hopefully, you will continue to reach out! Sincerely, KO, Counselor

Hypochondriac much? Don't be ridiculous.