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Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-in Friday 2017

SoftForestHSP77 December 29th, 2017

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad you're here this morning.

One thing I really struggle with during the holidays is my anxiety.

Getting into a pattern of rethinking your fears helps train your brain to come up with a rational way to deal with your anxious thoughts.

Anxiety disorders can range from a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is intense worrying that you cant control, to panic disorder -- sudden episodes of fear, along with heart palpitations, trembling, shaking, or sweating.

Stay in your time zone.
Anxiety is a future-oriented state of mind. So instead of worrying about whats going to happen, reel yourself back to the present, says Tamar Chansky, Ph.D., a psychologist and author of Freeing Yourself from Anxiety. Ask yourself: Whats happening right now? Am I safe? Is there something I need to do right now? If not, make an appointment to check in with yourself later in the day to revisit your worries so those distant scenarios dont throw you off track, she says.

Panic attacks can often make you feel like youre dying or having a heart attack. Remind yourself: Im having a panic attack, but its harmless, its temporary, and theres nothing I need to do, Chansky says. Plus, keep in mind it really is the opposite of a sign of impending death -- your body is activating its fight-or-flight response, the system thats going to keep you alive, she says.

Fact-check your thoughts.
People with anxiety often fixate on worst-case scenarios, Chansky says. To combat these worries, think about how realistic they are. Say youre nervous about a big presentation at work. Rather than think, Im going to bomb, for example, say, Im nervous, but Im prepared. Some things will go well, and some may not, she suggests. Getting into a pattern of rethinking your fears helps train your brain to come up with a rational way to deal with your anxious thoughts.

Ask for a second opinion.
Call or text a friend or family member and run through your worries with them, Chansky says. Saying them aloud to someone else can help you see them clearly for what they are. It can also help to write your fears on paper.

Watch a funny video.
This final tactic may be the easiest one yet: Cue up clips of your favorite comedian or funny TV show. Laughing is a good prescription for an anxious mind, Chansky says. Research shows that laughter has lots of benefits for our mental health and well-being; one study found that humor could help lower anxiety as much as (or even more than) exercise can.

What works best for you?

What's your anxiety feel like?

Have you tried any new coping techniques lately?

59
December 30th, 2017

Hello everyone

glad to be here, hope I am here this time for good. Tech Support is still working on my account. Still being flippedsmiley out of it. Hope they are able to get it fixed for good

January 1st, 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

Just want to say to all of you how much I appreciate your support in 2017.

Iheart have not been the best person of change and I bellyache a lot but I hope things begin to get better for everyone and myself included.heart

3 replies
January 1st, 2018

@scarletPear1945

It's almost 8:30 p.m. No one home but my husband and I and of course my dog Max. My daughter and grandson who now live with us are gone to church. My husband went to church this morn, so I have been home all alone. Although he my husband is at home I am still alone. No words, no conversation he just sits in his room on his computer or on his phone. Never interacts with the family. He just stays to himself. He does not like to go any where but church. He is a Preacher and singer. He also plays the guitar.

Our marrage was prearranged by our church meaning we never dated or knew anything about one another. Love was never a factor in marrying. They all said you would grow to love him. He had said he had watched me for a long time when he asked the Pastor for my hand. He stated that he was in love with me although he did not know me. Divorce is not an option in our faith. So for many years now there has been such a disconnection for me in this relationship.

I have no other family but my daughter and grandson. Now they have connected to a church that is pretty occultic. I had lost her for 10 years because they had to disconnect from outside interactions, to show their devotions to the church. Now she is with me and I don't want to lose her again so I put up with a lot of stuff that makes me upset.

Most of the time I feel like a sandwich and I am the meat in between the bread. Now it's about to be a new year of the same old lonelyness.

Amandisa16 January 1st, 2018

@scarletPear1945

Hi Scarlet, Happy New Year! I hope that 2018 will be a great year for you. A year that brings healing, and all the changes that you have been wishing for💗.

1 reply
January 2nd, 2018

@Amandisa16

The same sweet Blessings back at youheart

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