Keeping busy

Trying to be proactive with my current anxiety/health anxiety. I’ve had a couple of triggers the last couple of years. Dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in late 2016, he got the all clear from that but was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in October. That sent my health anxiety through the roof! I started getting constant muscle twitches, mild aching in upper legs, and I’m sure my upper arms felt weaker (not sure if I’m imagining it but you all know how you analyse any tiny thing in your body!).

I’m seeing the doctor for a 4 week follow up tomorrow as I’ve been on propranolol for four weeks (have used it previously for ectopic beats) and he said if I’m still concerned with my symptoms he’ll refer me to the neurologist for an EMG. He thinks my issues are caused by anxiety though. I must say that the twitching hasn’t been so bad the last few days though.

I work three days per week, have two children, and I’m also in the final year of my degree, as well as my partner working away mon-fri, so I do have a lot on. However, I have decided to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I can barely climb a few sets of stairs and I’m scared of heights so will have to see how it goes; I have a few months to get fitter first. I’ve also been for a walk today and done a 20 minute yoga session. I figure if I’m going to worry about things aching I may as well give them a good reason to ache!

Do any of you find that forcing yourself to be proactive or setting challenges helps? Any advice?

[Hidden]

I think this is the best way to control your anxiety is to keeping busy and challenging yourself. I definitely believe that forcing yourself to be proactive and setting challenged helps! This can be as big as your challenge or as small as going to do food shopping for the first time by yourself.

My concern with the way I am dealing with anxiety is that I have become whiny, scared and self centered. I stopped enjoying things I would normally enjoy. I started complaining all the time and I became very dramatic. I hate this part. I now know that challenging myself and doing scary things is vital for getting better! But, we should all do this with kindness. So...please be kind to yourself and good luck to you

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! A quote I like is ‘a comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there’. I think this is true of anxiety. You have to push yourself to do uncomfortable things to rebuild your confidence. It’s not easy though, but like you said, these can start with small baby steps.

Keep me updated with how you’re doing and what you’re achieving.

[pink318]

Hi Karen- Based in my experience, being proactive had helped me to do things that I thought I could not do. I just do whatever I can and then pray that God will do the things that I cannot do.

Take care and be gentle with yourself. I pray that you can accomplish all your plans and be successful. Please update us, I’m happy to hear about your trip to Mt. Snowdon. I googled it and it’s beautiful. God bless you and I’m excited to hear from you again.

Have a great day

[Hidden in reply to pink318]

Awww, thank you for your kind response!

I will certainly post an update on her and hopefully a picture too ☺️