Check-in, Anxiety Support, 16 to 28 of February 2023

@akay06

Hi!

Thank you for coming here to this check-in!

I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with anxiety and that you're feeling like you're losing hope. It's understandable to feel discouraged when you've been dealing with something for a long time and it doesn't seem to be getting better.

However, it's important to remember that recovery is a process and it can take time. It's also important to keep in mind that everyone's journey is unique and that what works for one person may not work for another.

It's important to prioritize self-care and find healthy ways to cope with your anxiety. This could include exercise, mindfulness practices, spending time with supportive friends and family, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

It's great to hear that you're engaging in activities that help you take a break from your anxiety and get out of your head. Engaging in pleasurable activities, such as reading, hiking, or watching a TV show, can be a helpful way to distract yourself from your worries and reduce your stress levels.

Ultimately, finding a combination of strategies that work for you is key. It's great that you're already engaging in activities that help you manage your anxiety, and I encourage you to continue exploring different coping strategies and seeking out support when you need it.

It's normal to feel sad and hopeless at times, especially when dealing with anxiety. It's great to hear that you're trying to focus on the good things in your life, as this can help you build resilience and cope with difficult emotions.

You are wise to recognize what you can and cannot control. Focusing on what you can control, such as your thoughts, behaviors, and reactions, can help you feel more empowered, reduce your anxiety and feel better.

Healing is a journey and it's okay to have ups and downs along the way. The fact that you have hope on some days is a positive sign, and I encourage you to continue seeking out resources and support to help you on your journey toward healing.

Again, thank you so much for coming here to share your thoughts!

All the best!

Marcelo.

I dont feel like U am myself lately. I dont know why or whats going on but i am not myself lately

@Caitlyn1993

Hi Caitlyn!

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed with worry when you experience high anxiety.

Worrying is a natural part of being human. But it can be very distressing when it becomes excessive and impacts daily functioning.

Can you identify the root cause of your worries? Often, anxiety can arise from a sense of uncertainty or lack of control in your life.

Keeping a journal to track your worries and identify any patterns might be useful. Once you've identified your triggers, you can work on strategies to manage them.

Another helpful technique is called "thought-stopping," where you interrupt your anxious thoughts by saying "stop" to yourself and then redirecting your attention to a positive or neutral activity.

Physical activity and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation are also very useful.

Change takes time. It's essential to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work on managing your worries. With time and effort, you can learn to feel more in control and at peace.

Going for a drive can be a great way to clear your mind and give yourself some space. Just make sure you're driving safely and not putting yourself at risk by driving when you feel very stressed or overwhelmed.

Sometimes hitting something can be an effective way to stop the chain of intrusive worrying thoughts, You might also try to engage in intense physical exercise, such as a hard workout.

@greenWriter2900

It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of anxiety and worry, which can be overwhelming and exhausting.

You say you feel like a fraud. What makes you feel that way?

The belief that one is not competent or deserving of accomplishments and that others will discover this about you is a very common feeling nowadays in this so demanding world. You might know that it's called "imposter syndrome. "

One way to combat imposter syndrome is to focus on your successes and recognize the hard work and effort that went into achieving them. You can also remind yourself that it's normal to make mistakes and that everyone has areas where they can improve.

Regarding your worries about the future, it's understandable to be concerned about these things, especially with the ongoing changes in our environment and society.

In my experience, volunteering or supporting causes you care about can help you feel more in control of the future. That you are doing something about it.

If you are very concerned about money for retirement, etc. you might do a little research by reading books on strategies to be in a good financial situation when you reach that age.

It's great that you've identified physical activity as a helpful tool for managing your anxiety. However, it sounds like you're struggling to make it a consistent part of your routine. That's okay, and it's important to approach this in a way that works for you and your lifestyle.

One way to stick with regular physical activity is to set achievable goals. It's important to start small and build up gradually to avoid overwhelming yourself and risking a backlash and relapse to sedentarism.

It can also be helpful to find an accountability partner, such as a friend or family member, who can support and encourage you to stick to your goals. This can make the process more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.

Another way to maintain physical activity in your daily routine is to stick to the activities that you enjoy like walking, hiking, or swimming. By doing activities that you enjoy, you're more likely to stick with them over the long term.

Anyway, exercising regularly is challenging for most of us.

You might find useful the 7 Cups' Guide on Excercise Motivation: https://www.7cups.com/how-to-get-motivated-to-exercise/

Also, the Healthy Living Community has a topic "Exercise and Activity" focused on motivation, and another on "Getting Started". Here is the Healthy Living Community: https://www.7cups.com/home/healthyliving/

You could also participate in "Heather's Wellness Accountability Challenge" ( @Heather225 is 7 Cups' Director of Community, and an amazing person in every possible way) You will find here how to participate in her Challenge: https://www.7cups.com/forum/PositivityGratitude_170/InspirationMotivation_2229/TaketheAccountabilityWellnessChallenge_292893/?post=3147622

I am glad that you have been feeling fairly well lately.

Those new thoughts that you are having now from time to time, like "I can function as an adult human in this world!" or "I can overcome that problem." mean a huge step forward, and are an indication that the "real you" inside is getting stronger and more confident.

Congratulations on that!

I wish you that you continue strengthening your self-reliance and confidence, to manage effectively your projects and activities, in order to build the life that you wish and deserve.

Thank you again, Writer, for coming here to share your thoughts!

All the best!

Marcelo.

@purpleTree4652

Hi Dawna!

Thank you for coming here to this check-in!

I think it's totally justified that you worry about your current situation and things that lie months and a year or two ahead, as these worries are based on real, factual problems, and not at all caused by some kind of unfounded anxiety.

You deal with your projects, plans, and the problems that arise, in a rational and timely way. It doesn't seem at all that you overthink or are obsessed with imaginary or too far in the future issues. Quite the contrary. You deal with them rationally and timely, but as you say, it's just that the challenges are big.

I wish you that things start getting better soon, and you get to a more solid and stable base from which to carry on your wonderful projects.

All the best!

Stay in touch!

Marcelo.

@SystemOfWolves

Hi , Wolves!

Thank you for coming here to this check-in!

Being focused on the near future and months ahead, sometimes thinking about what lies a few years ahead, while not much concerned about the far future, seems a very healthy mix to me.

Dealing with "freaking out" is a challenge. I copy you here some resources I posted in the previous check-in, that you might find useful for that. Just give some a try:

8 Soothing Techniques to Help Relieve Anxiety - University Hospitals:
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2020/04/8-soothing-techniques-to-help-relieve-anxiety

Anxiety management strategies - BeyondBlue:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies

Relaxation techniques for stress - MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000874.htm

Relaxation Techniques: Learn How to Manage Stress - WebMD:
https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot

Relaxation - Mind.org: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-exercises/

Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief - Helpguide:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm

You can practice some of those to deal with your anxiety about Monday's gymnastics meet. They might help you calm down, feel more in control and arrive at the meet in the best possible mood.

I wish you the best of luck for your Monday gymnastics meet!

Thank you again for coming here to share your thoughts!

All the best!

Marcelo.

@TextingLeon

Hi, Leon!

How great that you got rid of those pesky worries!

Congratulations on that!

It's wise to be fully aware, and to accept, that we can't control most things, particularly in the future, so we can focus on the things we can control, as you say, doing our best day by day.

Planning ahead and having a plan B is not a contradiction, as long as we are aware, as you are, that the future is inherently uncertain.

Our plans then become a guide to decide in which direction to take the next step according to where we would like to be, and not a prediction or pretension of constructing our future to the utmost detail, which is impossible and might get maddening.

I wish you that you find some moments to rest, have fun and recharge, so as not to burn out from your job, and to enjoy life as much as possible.

Thank you again for coming here to share your thoughts!

All the best!

Marcelo.

@purpleTree4652

Yes, there is a glitch in the system that doesn't redirect to the right thread when clicking the "Featured Thread" notification.

This is the thread!:

https://www.7cups.com/forum/AnxietySupport_53/General_2428/12ToolstoHelpCopeWithCatastrophicAnxietyandWorry_298594/

I found it on the PC by filtering by "Recent" posts. It's one of the most recent.

While on the PC the "Featured Thread" notifications don't work, "Featured Threads" become the first thing in the Anxiety Community area on the phone app. You can find them most easily there.

The thread is based on an article in "Psychology Today!" that has a list of great resources at the bottom (also very recommended):

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pacific-heart/202302/12-tools-to-help-cope-with-catastrophic-anxiety-and-worry

@selfconfidentTriangle3354

Hi, Triangle!

Thank you for coming here to share your thoughts and feelings with the Community.

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through so uncertain and difficult times.

Facing multiple and so severe challenges on all fronts in your life must be extremely stressful and overwhelming.

It's completely understandable to feel worn out and exhausted in this situation

As I see it, you are wise in focusing on one day at a time, trying to keep calm a,nd asking for help when you feel the need. That's the best and healthiest way to deal with a situation like this, I think.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Reach out to all the people and resources that might be available to support you, that you might think of, including those here at 7 Cups. You are dealing with a lot, you deserve all the support you can get.

Being so stressed and overwhelmed, try to keep in mind the need of taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Things like getting enough sleep, making time for rest and relaxation, eating well, doing some light exercise that you can given your health situation (like going for a walk, or stretching), and engaging in simple activities that might bring you pleasure and satisfaction, such as watching a movie, reading a book or listening to music.

You seem a very kind person, who, even stressed and overwhelmed, expresses gratitude for having this space to talk.

We welcome you with open arms to talk about your issues in this Community

You have been in 7 Cups for some years now, so you might know the many resources that this Community offers to help you manage the emotional side of these difficult times.

You're not alone, you can always come here for support.

While 7 Cups can't solve your problems in the real world, this Community can help you explore and express your emotions, develop coping skills, and brainstorm options for addressing your practical challenges, as part of your support network.

You can ask for support on all aspects of what you are going through, that you might feel comfortable sharing, in the Forums, talk them with Listeners in one-to-one chats, and in supportive group chats.

I hope you find some comfort and support here, and I wish you that things in your life stabilize and start improving soon.

Thank you again for coming to this check-in.

All the best!

Marcelo.

@HealingTalk

Hi, Marcelo,

Are you staying on in the depression support subcomm?

I know we'll all miss you here. I hope I can stay in touch with you there.

--D.