Weekly Prompt #15: What is your biggest fear?
Hello everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How do you ensure a good night's sleep despite the anxiety? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: What is your biggest fear? Describe it in as much detail as possible. What triggers this fear? How does it make you feel?
This week I want us to reflect and explore this topic that can help us understand and deal with our biggest fears. Let's get started and all thoughts are welcomed!
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My biggest fear is being alone. I fear that if my husband ever did decide to leave me, that I would be alone. Insecurities trigger this fear. It makes me fee insecure and scared.
@compassionateFriend6011 I understand this fear must feel difficult to experience. Being alone can trigger feelings of insecurity for many. You're not alone in having insecurities at times, it's part of being human. Know that you have strength inside to face what comes, as you always have. What thoughts tend to come up that strengthen this fear?
@ASilentObserver
Falling into old, unhealthy patterns. I go through a period of healing and growing only to find I haven't made as much progress as I originally thought.
My biggest fear is losing my grasp of reality “going so deep into my own dark thoughts that I never return” and this is a great struggle for me everyday as I’m suffering from MAD along with a whole bunch of other undiagnosed mental illnesses that have been ruining my life everyday for it feels like forever but probably as long as I can remember, if anyone has any suggestions on how I can climb out of this head space would be greatly appreciated <3
@EverydayIsTheSame202 Thank you for sharing your struggles. It takes strength to live with mental illness each day. I can understand why losing your grasp on reality would be frightening. A caring community can make a big difference. What support systems do you currently have that help during difficult times?
dying..
it makes me go crazy, i can’t phantom it
i hope there’s something afterwards otherwise i feel like i’ll just go crazy
.. sorry for the ranting
@brightWheel5343 Thank you for sharing, wheel. It's understandable that thoughts about death can be frightening. How are you currently feeling as these concerns arise for you? You must feel quite alone in grappling with such existential questions. We are all here with you to listen to and to support.
I would have to say my biggest fear is drowning. Like it's something that is a consistent being in all of my anxiety dreams either drowning or flood or water overwhelming me. I know it's partially because I nearly drowned as a little kid, but actually remembering that doesn't feel as traumatic so I don't think it's entirely at fault. I think it's really a lot to do with feeling so overwhelmed all the time.
@esaisme Thank you for sharing, Esa. It's understandable that nearly drowning as a child could influence fears around water and feeling overwhelmed. Feeling overwhelmed so often also sounds challenging. What's it like for you when you feel overwhelmed in your daily life? You're not alone in dealing with anxiety, we are all here with you. <#
I think my biggest fear is everything that has to do with changes and the future. I can't cope with changes at all and it makes me extremely anxious when I can't predict what will come next. This also includes growing up, and losing my family/friends.
My biggest fear that's not related to a concept would definitely be my fear of heights lol!
@romanity Thank you for sharing about your fears of changes, the future, and heights. It sounds like not knowing what's to come can feel quite unsettling. How do you usually cope when facing uncertainty? You're not alone in finding change difficult - it's very common to feel anxious about the unknown. We are all here with you to support. please feel free to share more!
My biggest fear is ending up alone and dying alone. As an only child and someone who never wants children, I just feel hopeless about my love life sometime. It seems like everyone I’ve talked to lately thinks I’m a selfish person, but I’m not selfish. It’s debatable if not wanting children is selfish but other than that I am really selfless. The people who called me this were really immature. But it’s still affecting me.
@TheJenInBlack Hi Jen, thank you for sharing. I am sorry to hear that. I understand this is weighing heavily on you. It can be difficult when others don't understand your perspective. You seem frustrated yet also want to feel heard and accepted for who you are. Your values and choices are personal to you.
@ASilentObserver my biggest fear would be to get raped and getting victim-blamed as some aspect of mine as triggering the perpetrator. Living in a patriarchal society, it often seen that the victim or woman is blamed for her clothes or behavior.
What is your biggest fear? Describe it in as much detail as possible. What triggers this fear? How does it make you feel? My biggest fear was losing a sibling and sadly it happened on 1/21/20.
@blissfulTouch29 I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sibling. That must be incredibly difficult to go through. What kinds of memories do you have of them that bring you comfort during this painful time? You're not alone in your grief. We are all here with you, Touch.
@ASilentObserver
I have a lot of memories about my brother however i also still remember the night he died even when i dont think about it
Wishing you a deep journey of reflection and treating yourself with grace in this challenging time - we are thinking if you . :( May the memories be very much alive of the happier times ❤️Sorry ❤️
My biggest fear right now is related to my job. I don't feel like I fit in with the two people who I work with, and that because of that I will be let go. I don't feel like I have support at this workplace and feel alone.
@Bberry999 I'm sorry to hear you're feeling alone and unsure about fitting in at work. It sounds like this is causing you some distress. It's understandable to worry about job security in that situation. You must care deeply about your job to be concerned. What makes you feel like you don't fit in with your coworkers?
Hey @ASilentObserver,
Thank you for your reply! Since I started there was barely any training, the basically just explained basic information about what the weeks are like. I work in payroll, and this is a software I've never used before. I've had questions about issues that I've had when using the software, but they respond with "figure it out yourself" or "I dont have time to deal with you". They've also said to my face that they talk about me behind my back. So every time if we are all in the office together and I hear their teams notifications going off it makes me wonder if they are talking about me. I don't really mind if they talk about me behind my back, that's more their problem in that case. But all of this makes me feel unwelcome, and that they just want to push me out.
@Bberry999
that is not right and I am sorry you had to go through that
Thank you! I'm grateful that I was referred to this platform by a counselor, and will be starting ongoing counseling this week. My first session will be tomorrow. I also set up a meeting with my supervisor to discuss a part of the issues that I've been dealing with. But I feel really nervous about talking about the issues for fear that it will come across as me being too sensitive or overreacting to these situations. I'm also weighing my options of looking for a new job outside of the organization, as I was told by HR that my chances of applying to another job will most likely be unsuccessful. I don't want to feel forced to find a new job, but if it means being happier, then I think it may be my best option right now
@Bberry999 It sounds like you've taken some important steps to take care of yourself by seeking counseling and meeting with your supervisor. Feeling nervous about difficult conversations is very understandable. You've shown strength in making yourself and your well-being a priority during this challenging time. I am glad you are here with us and sharing. We are all here with you.
@Bberry999
You're welcome. I am here for you and glad you found this forum.
@Bberry999 Thank you for sharing how you've been feeling at work. It sounds like not receiving proper training and support has made using the new software challenging and left you feeling unwelcome. What's most important to you right now in this situation?
@ASilentObserver thank you, I really appreciate how welcoming you have been and also so many other people on this platform.
Right now, I'd say what's most important for me is to have a job I feel welcome in. The only problem is this job does pay well, and other jobs I've looked at and one that I've recently applied for and had a phone interview pay much lower. I still live with my parents and have been saving up to buy a house, but I don't want to feel like I've failed if I take a job somewhere else that pays lower.
I'm also not sure if the career I'm in is something that I want to do anymore, or if that's just because of this job.
@Bberry999 I hear you feel welcome and valued in your work is very important to you. Exploring new career options can understandably bring up concerns about success and security. You've taken time to reflect deeply on your needs and values. I'm confident that with continued care for your well-being, the right choice will become clear. What self-care help you feel most at peace with whichever path may come?
@ASilentObserver I've started going to the gym again, and have been doing that for almost a month now. The only problem is that I go at night, I feel really good afterwards. But in the morning again I start to feel that dread and worry.
I also reached out to a couple therapists in my area, and am starting sessions this Saturday. Hopefully that will help. If I don't feel like I'm connecting with this therapist, there were 2 others who I reached out to who responded.
I've also been trying to meditate, but I do struggle with it with staying focused.
@Bberry999 Thank you for adding more thoughts. <3 It sounds like you've been making an effort to improve your well-being through exercise and seeking therapy. Feeling dread and worry in the morning must be difficult to deal with. I'm glad to hear you're starting therapy sessions this weekend - having a supportive person to talk to can make a big difference. I hope you're able to find the right fit and that the process helps provide you with useful insights and strategies. You're taking positive steps, and that's something to feel good about.
