When you're worried, you feel uneasy or troubled because you think something bad might happen. You might worry about an upcoming test, worry that your best friend is mad at you, or worry that you left your homework at home. Worry fills your mind with uncomfortable “what if” thoughts that keep spinning around.

Everyone worries sometimes. You might notice your stomach feels tight, you have trouble focusing on other things, or you keep thinking about the same problem over and over. A student worried about a spelling bee might imagine forgetting every word, even though they've studied hard. Someone worried about a sick grandparent might feel anxious until they hear better news.

Being worried is different from being scared of something happening right now. Worry is about the future, about things that haven't happened yet and might never happen. A little worry can be useful because it reminds you to prepare or be careful. But too much worry can make you miserable over problems that may never come true.