Enjoyable things cause anxiety

[GrayEm]

I am finding that things I used to enjoy doing. (eg helping with youth group) now causes anxiety. Nothing specific about it, except that something might go wrong when I am organising them. I think I should push myself but am worried it might make my anxiety worse. Any thoughts?

[Andrewcunningham]

Grayem

Has anything else changed for you recently? Are you looking after yourself in terms of the healthy basics like healthy food and sleep or work load. Maybe something is upsetting your normal balance in some way?

Pushing yourself too hard right now might not be helpful but disengaging totally might not be great either. Is it possible to keep your hand in eg with the youth group but do just a little less, at least for a few months?

[GrayEm]

Hi Andrew. Yes I am looking after myself, and have recently returned to work on reduced hours. I suppose the situation is that the anxiety has gradually been chipping away at my confidence to do things. Things I would have done quite naturally 4 months ago, now cause great anxiety. I really dont want to give anything up, but dont want the anxiety either. I am interested to see your posts about CBT. What would the CBT approach be to this particular issue? Thanks,

[Hidden]

Hi.Gray. It is not generally recognised but in anxiety happy thoughts can cause distress. Seems odd I know. The sight of a hand of a loved one can bring us to tears. Lovely music can make us feel sad, tearful. Listening to birdsong in the Spring can cause an emotional response from a sufferer. We are human beings. We live in a world of contrasts and opposites. Love- hate. Fear- elation. When in an anxiety state all these emotions are exaggerated. Take comfort in the fact that with the right treatment these emotions do level out. Blessings. jonathan.