Talking about Worries
An interviewer is talking to a clinical psychologist, Professor David Moore, about how
people can deal with their worries and concerns...
Interviewer: Welcome, Professor Moore. Every one of us has worries at some point in our
lives. Can you define what a ‘worry’ is for us?
Professor Moore: A worry is a problem that makes you feel unhappy or frightened. It is our
emotional reaction to something that seems dangerous or unfamiliar to us. Worry is usually
caused by the threat of harm, real or imagined, to our physical, emotional, or psychological
wellbeing. While there are certain things that trigger worries in most of us, we can become
worried about almost anything.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what are the most common causes of worry?
Professor Moore: Exam and test results, job applications and interviews, high expectations
for success, social interactions, fear of rejection, illness and dying are all very common
causes of worry.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to people to help them overcome their worries?
Professor Moore: People can overcome their worries by gradually facing them. This is not
easy at first and it takes willingness and bravery. Although sometimes, people need the help
of a professional to guide them through the process.
Interviewer: So, are you saying that if people struggle to overcome persistent worries, it’s
better to seek professional advice?
Professor Moore: Yes. A therapist can teach relaxation practices such as specific ways of
breathing, muscle relaxation training, and soothing self-talk - these can help people feel more
comfortable and confident enough to face their concerns and worries.
Interviewer: Thank you, Professor Moore. It has been very insightful talking to you today.
PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example sentence | Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
To let down someone | To make someone disappointed when you have not fulfilled a promise. | She promised that she would be there but she let me down. | Feelings |
To break down | 1. To become very upset. 2. When something stops working | 1. She broke down when she opened her results. 2. The lift broke down. | Feelings |
To bring somebody/something down | 1. To make someone lose their powerful position. 2. To make something end. | 1. He brought his boss down by exposing personal emails. 2. The rise in export prices could bring the hospitality industry down. | Feelings |
To bottle something up | To refuse to talk about things when someone is worried or upset. | After his father passed away, he bottled his emotions up and wouldn’t talk to anyone. | Feelings |
To get something across | To make someone believe or understand something | He tried to get his point across but his manager wouldn’t listen. | Feelings |