Weekly Prompt #1: What worries tend to dominate your thoughts?
Hello everyone and I hope you are all having a bit easier week. How are you all feeling?
I am starting the Prompt Series with the goal can share our thoughts and supporting each other by responding to the comments and thoughts in this thread.
Today's prompt is: What worries tend to dominate your thoughts? How do you try to cope with feeling anxious?
I know how worries can be worrisome and draining for one's well-being. But please know you are not alone and you have all of us here to listen to and support. Take a moment to share your thoughts and discuss with or support others as well.
Also, you can join the Anxiety Group Support Chat every Monday and Tuesday.
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Health issues as well. I was never like that growing up but the last few years I have bad anxiety. Seems like every little thing makes me think I’m having a heart attack or have cancer or something. Seems like it all started shortly after I had achilles surgery. It makes it hard to do anything sometimes. Has anyone ever heard of anesthesia causing anxiety!?
@FootballHead93 I can understand feeling anxious and worried after a medical procedure or health issue. Our minds and bodies can react in unexpected ways, and it's understandable these experiences may have triggered feelings of anxiety for you. Many people experience increased anxiety after surgery or an injury. Please know that you are not alone. We are all here with you to listen to and support.
What calms your anxiety and brings you peace?
Idk lol. It seems like it comes and goes in bundles. Like one week I’ll feel pretty good and the next I could have 3 bad days in a row. Luckily this week has been a good one! It just seems like my whole mindset changed out of nowhere and started causing anxiety. Like I said I made it 26 years or so without ever feeling this way. Naps seem to help sometimes lol.
I tend to worry a lot about my person's wellbeing. Also, when I'm in a stressful situation like a party, I often feel like there's going to be an earthquake and I have to stand very still for a moment to make sure the ground isn't shaking. At night, I often feel like there's going to be someone or something in my house and I have a specific routine for getting downstairs. I just need to remind myself of facts that the creatures don't exist, and the chances of horrible things are very small, so I'm going to be okay. Another thing is I remind myself is that I can't control everything, so I shouldn't worry about it as much.
@ASilentObserver
I remember saying this in front of someone once, “When will I stop worrying?” to which they responded, “We humans will never stop worrying, this is how we’re programmed.”
This proved to be a great reminder for me. It actually made me look at the situation with an entirely different perspective. Instead of focusing on not worrying and draining myself out trying to achieve the unachievable, I started channelizing the efforts in trying to find out what I can do about those worries. Do anything but nothing. The moment we get this mindset, we start feeling in control of the situation.
We all need such reminders from time to time to put us back on track. Thank you DD @DonaldDraper for that wonderful reminder. ❤️ : )
@VaryingCloud I hear the reminder helped shift your perspective into focusing your energy on what you can do rather than dwelling on not being able to stop worrying. Finding ways to feel more in control during difficult times can be empowering. How does that perspective impact how you view the current situation?
@ASilentObserver
I still worry.. with a bit more awareness and acceptance of that state of mind maybe which helps take the necessary action with more ease.
What worries tend to dominate your thoughts?
1. The terrible thought that my body might fail on itself despite eating healthy and doing tons of exercise. What did I do wrong? How can I heal myself quicker so that I can be someone to depend on?
I used to work alongside with my dad to provide for the family, but now I'm forced to take it slow. I've lost weight for starving myself because of my low appetite, so now I'm trying to eat like normal again. I guess that was just a new physical reaction as a symptom of anxiety. I don't want to be a burden on my parents, but I also don't want to burn myself out so fast.
How do you cope with feeling anxious?
1. Splashing cold water on my face everytime I feel even just a slightest bit of tension on my muscles.
2. Playing video games. It doesn't have to be a specific one, but one of the best ones that give me enough distraction are Mario games or Among us. I feel less alone if it's on multiplayer!
3. Eating something sweet, like vanilla ice cream!
4. Going for a walk at the park with my siblings.
5. Journaling. It beats venting on social media, that never made me feel any better. Also it's more freeing to write whatever you want without any judgement! You also get more creative with your pages!
These are just some of the things that have personally helped me ground myself!
@pinkteacup2002 I hear this health issue has caused you a great deal of worry and stress. Taking care of yourself and your family is important to you. Focusing on small steps to improve your health and coping strategies like journaling and spending time with loved ones seems wise. What aspects of journaling have you found most helpful during times of anxiety?
I saw a few people mention health anxiety and that's been a big source of worry and fear recently for me. My family has a lot of serious health concerns going on right now. So my anxiety is really flaring up.
Money and finances are also a huge source of panic for me. This stems from my cptsd. I'm trying to work through it though
@BorahaeAndHappiness I hear the worries about health concerns and finances are weighing heavily on you during this difficult time. Finding ways to manage anxiety can be helpful when faced with circumstances beyond our control. What aspects of focusing your energy on what you can do, instead of what you can't, do you find most helpful during times of stress or uncertainty?
@ASilentObserver
i am a retired momma who cares for her son and husband and I tend to worry they are all good. I have issues with mobility and I need to get stronger and stay functional … 💕💕💕💕
@SunShineAlwaysGrateful I'm glad you shared, caring for others can be rewarding but also challenging at times. You mentioned wanting to get stronger and stay functional. What would help motivate you to work on your goals?
I worry about my health and I also worry about doing everyday things as they set off my pain. I spend a lot of time worrying about accidentally hurting people in some way.
@AutiBoy It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of worry and concern for your health and everyday activities. Feeling worried about accidentally hurting others also seems difficult to cope with. You are not alone in experiencing worries, and it is understandable that concerns about health and daily living can weigh heavily. What thoughts go through your mind when you worry about your health and everyday tasks?
Worrying about when I will be back to canada for my higher studies and particular from studying I need to workout do a job finding a job in windsor is hectic and students working in food chain industry like Tim Hortons are fully drained it's like being exploiting
I don't know whether I can handle that job and walmart job is also not easy hearing the stories of my peers makes me more anxious .
How am I going to survive when everything is so expensive...
@siddharthh I am sorry to hear that, siddharth. It sounds like you're feeling quite anxious about your future studies and work situation. The uncertainty and financial pressures can really weigh heavily. You've mentioned concerns about job prospects and affordability - is there anything else on your mind right now? Please know that you're not alone in facing challenges like these. I believe in your ability to make the best decisions for yourself during this time. You got this and you have all of us here too.
@ASilentObserver thank you
