We all know what it's like to feel worried and anxious – to feel fearful at the thought of going for a job interview or taking an exam, for example. Maybe there's been something worrying you recently? Perhaps you've been fretting about the results of a medical test? Maybe you've been getting anxious about giving a presentation, making a journey or attending a social event – a party, a wedding or a school reunion?

Whatever it's about, when you're worried or anxious, doubts, fears and negative possibilities overwhelm your mind. You feel you have no control over what could happen, how events might turn out and whether or not you'll be able to cope if things do go wrong.

Is there a difference between worry and anxiety? Worry is usually about specific things and is relatively short-lived. Anxiety may be more or less intense but longer lasting.

But whether it's worry or anxiety you're feeling, like all emotions, worry and anxiety do have a positive intent – they serve as your internal alarm, to prompt you to do whatever might help to prevent the worst-case scenario from happening.