Stress Center Peer Support

Lately it seems like Im scared of everything. my anxiety used to be a fear of physical illness. NOw it seems that I can turn anythimg into something to be scared of. Im afraid to think. I used to practice avoidance years ago but have been facing my fears lately. But in the back of my mind I know that I could avoid certain situation if I really dont want to deal with the feelings. But you can't run from your mind and your thoughts. I just find that I feel afraid all the time and dont know why. this cloud of impending doom has just been hanging over me. Does anyone feel this way? does anyone have any suggestion to help me conquer some of this fear? I have been crying a lot lately.

Hey, Robin,
I think that you answered your own question. Do you think that you may be having more fears because you are now dealing with them instead of avoiding them? How far are you in the program? When you get scared about one thing, do you start worrying and fearing everything? That is what I do. When my anxiety is really bad, I find all sorts of new fears and worrys. People like us have such a vivid imagination. Maybe writing your fears and feelings down would help. Maybe you could get them all out and make sense of them that way. Starting the program has brought out all those old fears and anxieties, but I know that that is just part of the healing process. I need to be patient.
Leah

I'm new to the program and I'm no expert so please take this for what it's worth.

I'm a thinker - I think all the time. Sometimes it's great, like when I'm being creative. Sometimes it's just mental "chewing gum" - no real substance, just activity. That's when I can get myself into trouble because I can take myself down the "what if" road and imagine all kinds of unpleasant possibilities.

Something I have been trying to seems to be helping is stop myself when my thinking begins to unravel and either focus on the present moment (be here now) or just gently tell myself "no" and try to focus on something more real and positive.

When you think of all things past and all possibilities future, it can feel overwhealming. The present moment - right now - is a much more manageable bite-sized thing to deal with.

I hope this helps.

I can relate totally. I just applied for 2 positions in the same field that started my anxiety issues, just not at the same toxic place. BUT thoughts of fear and failure are right there. Sometimes crying can help you release toxic chemicals and other times it doesn't help at all. Take a walk, try to stay in the present and know that you're not alone. I am also new to the program, so am also not an expert. What I do know is that my life was not always this way and I want myself back. Giving up is not an option.
kittylover

I can really relate to how you feel and I want to share this with you. I have it on my bathroom mirror so I can read it everyday. The Secret of Health For both mind and body is not to mourn the past,worry about the future, or anticipate troubles,but to live in the present moment Wisely and Earnestly I hope it helps

I recommend you read a book that Lucinda suggested in the workbook: "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" by Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D.

This book helps with building a self-conscious that is free of fear and negative thoughts.

I have been scared of everything since I was 20 years old. I had my first "breakdown" worrying about something being wrong with me. I would go to all the specialists and they could never find anything wrong with me. I go through periods of being totally paralized with fear and having to stay in bed trembling and not being able to do anything. Has the program been helping you?