Anxiety

[physicalman]

Hi all, I would like to know if anyone else has the anxiety over things like having to do something the next day or in the future worrying about it till i panic or not hearing or seeing from a friend or neighbor in a couple days makes me full of anxiety until i do ! also this worrying about things in general that come up out of no where like car problems, i have to take care of any problem that day or i stress about it so bad. any help would be appreciated very much!!!!! thanks

[Hidden]

Yeah, I would say I have some anxiousness to do something I don't want to do. Maybe loathing that my routine has to change because something unpredictable has happened. This could be heading towards places that cause my anxiety. I generally dislike my work week and every morning (which is like 4/5 PM for me since I work overnight), I begin loathing the situation to working myself up about the "possibilities" and "what ifs" of having to go. This is where things like CBT/mindfulness are enormously beneficial. Also, I think it's important to recognize the difference in some of your instances in the type of anxiety. Anxiety is a key instinct skill that we need. It fires up the body for reactive measures. If you are worried about someone who you haven't heard from (such as...your daughter or son has been out all night, not answering their phone, and you're worried), this would be a normal instance of anxiety. The level of the anxiety and how your body reacts, on the other hand, is the difference between anxiety/panic disorders just based on my opinion and experiences.

As for dealing with these things, there are some things you can try. Acknowledging the problem, deep breathing techniques, and following an anxiety plan. Work on accepting what you cannot predict or is out of your hands. A therapist could help you with this or it's worth practicing on your own with the many anxiety/CBT workbooks out there. It's okay to be anxious and have some stress, just not to the point where you are dysfunctional or hindered by it. I think that part is key because a lot of us handle anxiety, panic, and stress differently from our non-diagnosed anxious folks. For them, it's no sweat, for us, it is everything. CBT and coping mechanisms that work for you would likely bring a lot of help. So...let's say a flat tire happens and it sends you into bad place anxiety wise...one would work on accepting the situation, assess and then begin an exercise (such as deep breathing to reduce stress) and then begin actively facing the issue with a good game plan once your anxiety and stress has been reduced.

Just some suggestions and this is merely from my perspective and from the practices and therapies mentioned to me in my scenarios. There are many on here who I'm sure can chime in with some more advice. That all said, I think it is normal and a lot of us do have the same anxieties and stresses that you mention. We're all over-thinkers and worriers in one way or another. Hope you're able to reduce some of your stress and anxiety. A lot of people love her, so I'll mention Claire Weeke's who is amazing to listen to or read. There is a plethora of good books and even apps for smart phones in terms of CBT, mindfulness, and meditation (my personal favorite being 10 Percent AKA 10% Happier). Best of luck and I hope you feel reassured you are definitely among the many who deal with feelings, situations, and stresses that you go through.

[physicalman in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much, you have plenty of good advice that i can use and i will check out the some books and listen to some of the people you suggested!! i appreciate your help and concern!!

[majolie]

Veritas9983 made lots of good points. I'll throw out a few more ideas:

Current research is showing that anxiety in today's culture is at an all-time high, mostly related to social media. Others who have struggled with anxiety AND are very involved in social media have had great relief by simply cutting off all their social media accounts. If this is you, try it for a month and see if you notice a difference.

Another possibility is caffeine. Yep, all those coffee drinks and energy drinks do a number on our heart rate, which our brain interprets as "fight or flight"...again, if you're into these, slowly cut back (or else you'll get an insane migraine) until you're off them or down to one a day, and see if you notice a difference.

And then there's exercise. It's such an excellent way to get the anxiety OUT and to release endorphins, which make you feel better. If you're not an exerciser, just start with daily walks, preferably somewhere beautiful where you can take in an ocean breeze, a sunset, a lovely forest or park....these things have a way of lifting our spirits and restoring perspective.

Sometimes anxiety can be a result of a traumatic event in your past. It can be hard to face this, but it's the only way to find freedom and healing. If you know (or think it's a possibility) that this could be your situation, please seek counseling or a support group. When you connect with others who have anxiety also, you find you're not alone, and might even learn some great ways to handle it.

Have you consulted your primary care doctor? He/she might prescribe an anti-anxiety medication, which can smooth things out for awhile and help you get perspective on what's really at the root. Meds are a band-aid though, they don't cure anxiety. I'm sure you'd like to discover what's really the root cause of your anxiety and be set free from it.

If you are a person of faith in God, please ask Him for help. He's the amazing healer! He wants to set you free and make you whole and healthy. He is the great forgiver, restorer, and comforter for all that ails us. Even if you continue to struggle with anxiety, He will be with you and give you the strength and peace to overcome and cope.

I wish you well. God bless you.

[physicalman in reply to majolie]

Thank you so much for the kind words and great advice, i will try and take your suggestions into my life!!! please keep in contact!!! frank

[quitter333]

No, because aside from eating and breathing literally no consequences are important enough to worry.

watch out, dont fall into apathy in your quest to not worry haha.