Difference between "I don't like" and "fear"

[Faith_TX]

Sometimes I have a hard time distinguishingn between "I don't like doing that" and "fear."

For example, I don't like getting too hot which is a pain here in Texas sometimes.

I try not to do things that mean I'll have to spend hours and hours outside in the heat because when I get overheated sometimes it gives me a panic attack. . .or what feels like one.

I hear non-PA people sometimes say "I don't handle the heat well" or "I prefer not to be outside in the hot part of the day"

I'm trying to find the fine line there. I will generally not refuse to do things that my family is doing because of being too hot, but I don't really enjoy it much and I have to find ways to get out and cooled off. I had a really bad day many years ago where I thought I might have to go to the hospital because I got so overheated.

I think I'd enjoy my summers here so much more if I could find a balance there.

Any suggestions?

I'm working on reframing everything in my life in a more positive way but certain things get me stuck (taking medication is another one)

Thanks,

[Guest]

I have a really hard time with this too. I can't always figure out if it's something I just don't want to do, or if it's because I have a fear about doing it.???? I wish there was some kind of quiz for this to determine if it's a fear or a dislike. Anyone's ideas on how to determine this would be really helpful.

[Guest]

I can always tell when I am avoiding and when I truly do not want to do something. If I'm anxious (heart pounding, sweaty palms, dry mouth, etc.) I know I need to expose myself and not avoid.

A person can have an irrational fear of the heat or a commonsense concern in regard to it. Preparing yourself with enough water on hand to keep you hydrated would be one way to approach the problem. Another would be to wear a hat. Another still would be to go into the shade from time to time for relief.

An irrational fear would be of being afraid of experiencing anxiety because of the heat or because of how hot you are. Exposing yourself to this type of fear is the solution. Use the above tools to help you through. You will desensitize as you approach this over and over again. Just do a few minutes at a time and expose yourself for longer periods as you go along.

Some people are very affected by the heat and know what times of the day they need to stay indoors. This is commonsense type of concern.

If you are feeling anxious about being overheated then it's important to allow those feelings to arise and go through them until you no longer have them. You soothe yourself. "I can go indoors anytime I want to. I can go to shade. I can drink water. I can wear a hat. I am fully prepared."

I'd like to add here, too, that when I find I am avoiding and I do not wish to do anything about it at that time, I acknowledge that and embrace myself through those times as well. The time will come to expose. Healing is a process, a journey and we need to embrace and welcome every stage of it. Even when we are aware we are avoiding.

A good rule of thumb is: If you're anxious step up to the plate and do what you need to do to desensitize.

[Malikye]

Originally posted by Boon:

"Life is not about comfort. It is about living." Dr. Howard Liebgold

I just noticed your quote. I'm actually reading his workbook and talking to someone that he has approved as a life coach about the material.

This program has helped me a bunch but I've also learned a few new things using Dr Liebgold's materials as well.

My best tool is the "Rag Doll Breathing"

Thanks so much for your tips, that makes a lot of sense.

An irrational fear would be of being afraid of experiencing anxiety because of the heat or because of how hot you are. Exposing yourself to this type of fear is the solution. Use the above tools to help you through. You will desensitize as you approach this over and over again. Just do a few minutes at a time and expose yourself for longer periods as you go along

Also, I am afraid of experiencing the panic by going into the heat so that does tell me I need to work on it. I'm trying to go out more and remind myself that some symptoms of racing heart and dizziness are normal when you're hot!