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Anthony Weatherspoon, 68, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, remembers it like it was yesterday: The day he wasn’t feeling very well in 2024. “I didn’t know what was up,” Anthony says, with his wife, Peggy, at his side.

Distinguishing between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder can be difficult since they share some similar symptoms. However, there are key differences to help identify when worry may be more than just a natural response to life’s challenges. Key differences to consider include:

Frequency and intensity. Normal worry is typically situational and temporary, tied to specific events or challenges. Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry that is difficult to control and can occur frequently, even without an obvious reason.