I’m super anxious over the solar flares

[Cozyautumnmoon]

I think I read too many click bait headlines and freaked myself out oh for the solar flare that’s about to occur. I need tips on how to relax and some comforting words that it’s not as bad as it seems. I hate feeling so anxious over something I cannot control.

[propjock]

From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I learned that a common thinking trap has two parts:

1) over-estimating the chances and impact of the bad thing, and

2) under-estimating your ability to cope.

Strangely, writing down your answers, in detail, actually makes the monster shrink. It does for me, anyway. I resisted this for a long time. I was afraid that if I wrote it down, it would make it more real, frightening, and permanent. It didn’t work that way.

You might write out the story of the solar flare. What happens first, then next, and what actions might you and people in your family or circle of friends do? Keep writing. Write about feelings. “This is really going to be scary” is fine to write down. Also write about what specific people you know might do.

And cut back on the doom-scrolling. It’s not “being informed.” It’s like eating food that’s designed to give you an allergic reaction.

[Cozyautumnmoon in reply to propjock]

Thank you! I really appreciate it! This is a great exercise.

[propjock in reply to Cozyautumnmoon]

Did you find a little relief? I'm having to go through it, right now, with a trigger I thought up all by myself. Look at me, being creative!

[Cozyautumnmoon in reply to propjock]

I have! Just had to do some more research and I feel better. I hope you fight that trigger and get better

[propjock in reply to Cozyautumnmoon]

I’m really glad you found some relief. I had a pretty good week and then started to slide again. God is at work down there somewhere!