Any advice on coping with bad news?

Comments and inquiries to share with others. (Questions for Staff can be posted below.)
Post Reply
Karilynn
Posts: 60
Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:10 am

Post by Karilynn » Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:48 pm

Hi everyone,

It's been quite some time since I have posted here. I really need to tonight, though. I've come a very long ways with my anxiety in the past year, but I need some support right now.

A good friend of mine called me tonight to tell me that she has 2 tumors on her throat. They haven't done a biopsy yet, but will be doing one on Thursday. Immediately upon hearing this, I start to panic. It's like, all the months I've spent feeling panic free - gone. I hate this about myself. I really do. I seriously can't handle bad news. I hear it and bam, instant panic. It doesn't matter what it is regarding, a friends health, bad news in the world, predictions about the future. I think it's because they are things I have no control over. I hate change. I hate bad things happening that I have no control over. It's so hard for me to cope with any of it. I'm just incredibly sensitive to bad news of any kind.

On top of that, I'm stressed out because I'm moving this week. I just feel like everything is crumbling around me. Life was getting so much better for me and now all of this change and bad news... I just don't know.

I feel like I should be strong for my friend. I know she's scared. I just can't go through life wishing that people wouldn't tell me upsetting things. It's just not realistic. I have no idea how to cope with it. Not a clue. The only reaction I know is to panic and I hate that. :(
hugs&kisses,
Karilynn

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
Frank Herbert

"How you climb up the mountain is just as important as how you get down the mountain. And, so it is with life, which for many of us becomes one big test followed by one big lesson. In the end, it all comes down to one word: grace. It's how you accept winning and losing, good luck and bad luck, darkness and the light."

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:55 pm

Karilynn - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and I hope that everything turns out well for her.

Regarding bad news, sometimes we just have to accept that there are things that we cannot change. I know that we would like to be in control of everything, but it' simply not possible. Give yourself permission to let go and then deal with your feelings.

Right now, the best thing you can do for your friend is probably just listen. You don't have to take on her burdens or make everything better, just listen. Remember that this is out of both of your control, so don't put unrealistic expectations on yourself.

All my best,
Jamie

Post Reply

Return to “General Comments/Inquiries about”