mental-health/anxiety

Is it normal to worry about everything, all the time?

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I don't know if this counts. I just worry about everything, all the time, and my stomach's always in a knot. I figured everyone's like that. But in a discord someone said their brain never shuts off, and people said same, so I typed: is it normal to worry this much or is something wrong with me?

Last updated: July 2026

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What this can feel like

I don't even know if this counts as anything. I just worry about basically everything, all the time. Like I'll lie in bed running through every way tomorrow could go wrong, a test, a text I sent that maybe sounded weird, whether my parents are secretly stressed about money, stuff that isn't even mine to worry about. My stomach's kind of always in a knot. I figured this was just normal, everybody worries, right? My parents came here with nothing and worked insanely hard, so in my head my job is to do well and not add problems, definitely not to make a thing out of being a little stressed. But I was in a discord server for one of my games and someone randomly said their brain never shuts off and they can't stop worrying, and a bunch of people were like same, and one person said they talk to someone for it. I just typed is it normal to worry this much or is something wrong with me, half as a joke, and then actually sat there waiting for answers. I'm not saying anything's wrong with me. I'm 15, I probably just need to chill. I don't know. It was kind of nice that other people got it, though.

What's a first step I can take?

'What's the worry like right before you fall asleep?' 'What made you actually sit and wait for answers instead of scrolling past?'

Common questions

Some worry is normal and even useful. It tips toward anxiety when it is about many things at once, most days, hard to switch off, and it shows up in your body, like a stomach that is always in a knot. That is worth checking, not shrugging off.

Your family working hard does not mean your worry doesn't count. You are allowed to get support for how your own mind feels; taking care of it is one way of not 'adding problems,' not the opposite.

A low-pressure start is a quick, honest chat with a school counselor, a doctor, or a trusted adult: 'I worry about everything all the time and my stomach's always tight, is that something I should look at?' Noticing it, like you just did, is step one.

Related

Say it back

How would you explain this to someone you love?

Two or three sentences, just as you’d say it. Gale reflects back what you focused on — a mirror, not a quiz.

If things feel heavy, a person is available anytime — call or text 988.

Talk to a clinician

Gale can help you find a clinician in your state and request a visit.

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When to reach out for more help

  • —worry that stops you sleeping, eating, or doing things you want to
  • —panic attacks or a stomach problem that won't ease
  • —thoughts of not wanting to be here or of hurting yourself

Call or text 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and 24/7. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If something ever feels unsafe, use the emergency options above.

References

  1. 1. (2019). Young people's online help-seeking and mental health difficulties: systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. linkOnline and peer spaces are a common first place young people go to talk about how they feel.

1 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice. AI-assisted editorial content — citations link their sources. Editorial policy

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