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If you find yourself using words like "anxiety," "fear," or "security" when thinking about your financial picture, you're not alone. Many people feel the same way. If you feel like you're too attached emotionally to your money, here's how to notice some patterns and help break free.

Depending on our age and lifestyle, as well as income and retirement goals, investing styles can vary greatly. Speaking with a trusted financial professional can help navigate choices and diversify investments. But many individuals are nervous to take that first step.

Instead of looking at what could be accumulated, the focus is on the worst-case scenario and the fear of losing it all. Or too much confidence may mean believing there will always be positive returns.

There are perks and downfalls to both approaches. Short-term and long-term goals need different investing strategies. Say you want to move in retirement. A basic savings account will probably not help you reach that goal, but diverse strategies that include investing can help you get there. That means letting go of some of the fear around not reaching goals and finding ways to help improve the chances of making it happen.

Carrying around constant worry over money can have a seriously negative impact on a sense of self. Psychologist Dr. Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D., says some of these attachments can be hard to shake. Some people may have emotional attachments to their money due to growing up in poverty, a previous job loss, or something else.

Dr. Thomas says the best way to combat emotional attachments is to address them head on. A professional can help, as can a friend willing to listen. Remember that these issues can arise at any point in life.

“Be conscious of separating out what society or your loved ones think and feel about making and managing money, from your true beliefs," she says. "Only then can you accurately determine the place money should have in your life.”

Think about the big financial decisions people make every month. These include paying the rent or mortgage, budgeting for groceries and vacations, saving for retirement, and so on. But when it comes to investing, you feel like you don't have enough information or education.

One way to retrain your brain is to remember that you don’t have to do everything all at once. You can start by creating a month-by-month blueprint, and simply save and invest small sums, which may be emotionally easier to process. Then, continue to grow your accounts as you gain confidence and get more comfortable.