Anxiety and Catastrophising

[Losingmyeverything]

I’m really struggling again and wondered if anyone has any tips.

Since I turned 20 i’ve had one thing after another - ill health, losing baby, marriage breakdown and now i’m happy in a relationship - just had a baby and I spend my
time so worried that something awful is going to happen that will take me or everything away. When things do go wrong ie my fence got damaged in the storm a few weeks ago - I go to the extreme thinking the worse - my neighbours will hate me etc etc. It’s worse still as bad things do keep happening to me including the above and just as I get the ‘all clear’ my mom is diagnosed and dies of cancer.

I’m in a public facing job and worry all the time that I will be found out and lose the job despite trying my hardest at it.

I’ve had regular CBT and it always seems that I feel better ie last week I was discharged and then this week I cant function without panicking again. I’m my own worst enemy and it drives me mad.

I’m perfectly safe and would never do anything stupid but I suppose my question is please help me to not feel this way anymore as I’m really struggling - any resources or advice. I just want to feel normal - be happy and maintain that happiness. Thank you 😊

No advice just feel for you. I used to worry so much. I have to put things in a box, tell myself to not worry and have to be firm. I also ask myself if I’ll even be taking about it in six months, if answer is no I try not to worry.

Thank you

Bumping for you OP

Hope you're ok OP.

One thing I taught myself:

Imagine you are on a central reservation of a very busy motorway.

The cars & lorries speeding past on either side are your thoughts, worries & feelings that are making you worry / panic / stress. This is what's making your mind busy.

Now imagine a pelican crossing on each side of the carriageways, the controls on the central reservation with you.

See yourself walking to the controls and pressing the button to cross. The traffic has to stop, because that's the law (your will).

Imagine the traffic gradually slowing and coming to a full stop.

Now the traffic is calmer, you can begin to cross the road to your safe place. Take as long as you need. Nobody can rush you. The traffic can't start again until you are safe. When it does start, it will be on a 20mph road now and you can cross safely any time you wish.

Each time the traffic starts to build up speed - push the stop button.

It takes some practice & deep breathing but it really helps me, even now.

Thank you. That’s a really good analogy.

Have you talked to your GP? it could be something physical, such as low blood sugar or lack of certain nutrients.