Why can’t I handle feeling bad?

[Meyer_Gdmnx]

I’ve had health anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder for nearly a year now I’m still not taking any medication despite this I’ve been in therapy twice and have improved vastly over the past year. But I still get so stressed out and anxious over the tiniest thing for example my father lit a fire to burn some old papers a couple of days ago I completely freaked out and didn’t sleep at all that night. I constantly focus on how I’m feeling and it’s ruined my life! What do I do? Has anyone ever gone through this?

[Hidden]

Hey I saw none had replied so I want to make a suggestion that worked for me, it’s hard to explain, but when something like this happens(this took some time for me) you try to tell yourself “ well I was worried about this but nothing actually happened in the end” and slowly but surely try to train your brain to see the positive outcomes of situations you thought were going to be turn out bad... I know it sounds kind of weird, if I recall the psychiatric term correctly it’s called cognitive reframing. There were several other things I tried and this seemed to work, but it’s slightly confusing because you kind of just let the anxiety go and build off of the positive experiences that you thought were going to be negative... for more immediate relief I always turn to calming music and a couple breathing exercises meant for anxiety. I hope this helps but if it’s to overwhelming, then start out with other techniques. Best wishes to you

[Meyer_Gdmnx in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply and the tone you took I’ve had this theory out to me before and it’s not even necessarily that I think something bad will happen it’s having the sensation all together sorry I know that sounds like I’m being intentionally difficult am not obviously. Wish you the best with your recovery and overcoming your challenges thank you for replying again it was very thoughtful

[Hidden in reply to Meyer_Gdmnx]

Yeah, nobody is the same even if we have the same conditions. Sooner or later you’ll find something that works for you ( it took me months of therapy before a suggestion worked well for my anxiety) but the main focus for me was depression at that time. I appreciate your kind words and am very hopeful that both of us will find what we need here or the suggestions to begin on the right path.

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Usually I tell people to stay in the moment but I’m not going to say that to you. I’m going to ask you to make a brief ‘to do’ list of the simplest things you do every day. Get up and write one daily. It doesn’t matter if everything is on there. We want you looking ever so slightly in the future on tasks. Put your focus on each one and at the bottom put what you’ll treat yourself with. I personally choose gourmet ice cream but you’ll have to figure yours out!😁. Out of the moment and what really happens next, not what your anxiety thinks up is going to happen. Can you try that? Best of luck to you.

Doaty

[Meyer_Gdmnx in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thank you for your reply as well. Haha that is a very good choice for a treat I think this would bring great needed structure to my life best of luck overcoming your challenges as well

[Laniben]

Yes I understand what you mean, I don’t know how to handle it either. If Ive gone out with a friend I’m not too bad might get the feeling on and off but I’m distracted, but indoors I can’t find things to distract me enough so my focus is on how I feel even though I try my best not to do it. I’ve been out and about last couple of days but today it’s raining and I’m indoors on my own 😐

[sarahmw325]

Hi there, I also suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I have battled anxiety my whole life. I was always hesitant to seek out professional care because I was convinced it would numb me out, or that some therapist would tell me how to live my life. I was always able to manage my symptoms with mindfulness, meditation, self care, exercise, water, all the good stuff. But earlier this year, something kinda snapped inside of me and no amount of self care was changing the situation. I was in the midst of a pretty severe, long term panic attack that required medical intervention. There are a lot of great resources to talk to a therapist, adopt some self care techniques, but if you feel like it still is not helping, it may be time to consider that next step. I'm glad I did, because I don't know if I would've made it through without the addition of some medication. I know everybody's experiences and story is different, so best of luck to you. Always just remember to breathe.