Constant Feeling of Dread

[joyfulpencil]

Over the past few months I have been struggling to manage my anxiety. I have always been an over-thinker and worrier but lately it seems to have increased exponentially. I know that COVID and the election played a part, but I'm struggling on finding ways to manage. My family was helpful in the past, but we have diverged on some aspects of current issues which has created a divide. Hoping some outside support will help me gain some focus.

[Gnu89]

I'm in the same boat, I'm lying awake at all hours and can't put my finger on it! I try and remember that I won't feel this way forever and neither will you. It's hatd when the people you rely on let you down, I hope you can find a way through it

[joyfulpencil in reply to Gnu89]

Thank you for replying! Feels good to know that others understand how stressful this feeling is.

[Grateful71]

I recognise that feeling of dread very well 😔 I'm sorry you are feeling disconnected from your family right now, I'm not in the US but the election seems to have taken its toll on many. Perhaps it's ok to accept that we don't have to cling onto our own beliefs so tightly that it can tear us away from other things of value. Thankfully we don't all think and feel the same....I don't want everyone to be like me 😅 is anything helping right now? 💛

[joyfulpencil in reply to Grateful71]

I have been walking and listening to podcasts which seems so drown out the overthinking.

[Grateful71 in reply to joyfulpencil]

I'm aware that I also use a number of distractions when I'm not able to manage the intensity of my feelings. Sometimes I can accept what's happening but alot of the time my mind is trying to figure out solutions to problems, some are real some are not 😢

[AllTimeLow]

Exponentially. Yes. I would say try drinking alcohol to excess, but that's never turned out very well for me. Probably not a good suggestion.Vigorous exercise?

Some activity requiring a great deal of concentration?

I wish you well. It's hard.

[hlacovara]

Hi! Oh I can relate to you on everything you described. I would highly recommend avoiding the media as it (for me) only induces anxiety. We really don't know who we can trust and it seems everything is being exploited and out of our control. Some things that have been helpful for me w anxiety in general have been exercise, being outside walking, connecting with nature, trying to do creative things, music and trying mindfulness and meditation. Have you ever considered CBT? I do that too and it has helped me a lot. At first I thought it would be a waste of time. I couldn't have been more wrong. I also take medication as a last resort. I try to focus on doing anything natural that I can first. My family is similar as in they are not very supportive ex: my dad wants me to come over to the house (he cares for my 90 yr old grandmother) but if I do I have to subject myself to noise and repetitive questions from her as he sneaks out the door to go drink, leaving me with her and the news blaring. Lol We have different views of current events and I would just rather not bring it up around them bc it is easier. It is hard but set your boundaries and don't engage in conversations with them that can trigger you. I learned that somethings people don't want to know the truth about, they are happy to be ignorant sometimes. As long as you're happy with what you believe sometimes that's as good as it will get. Hope you have a great day!