I want to preface this post: I recognise I am fortunate - I have a lovely family, a couple of close friends to count on, can afford all the bills with cash left over, have good health and work a job I truly love.
For whatever reason I have always had anxiety, it comes and goes but for the past six months particularly I think it has reared its head in numerous ways.
I have some worries which I can trace back, these are mainly:
Driving: I used to have an unreliable car (solved by now upgraded it to something more modern) and was in a bump this year as a passenger in a relatives car, where nobody was injured but it damaged the car. Although I am nervous I am competent and not one of those extremely hesitant drivers, but I have genuinely seen some appalling driving as of late where people clearly aren’t paying attention or are on their phones and it terrifies me to think of the consequences of that.
Finances: I am worried about how we will afford a nice lifestyle, now and in the future. Two income household but cost of living sucks. We have savings and are doing our best, also we live to our means. Can’t do a lot more than that but it’s just niggling anxiety.
Redundancy: This one is a real risk and kind of relates to the point above I think. Not within my control but it’s looming and won’t find out for another few months
Sleep: I don’t get much of it! I know that’s a common issue but I worry about the long term health consequences and ability to work ok the next day, etc.
I’m not low or upset any more than the average person and generally have quite a cheery disposition, but silly worries pop into my head like the ones described. I have lost sight of whether I’m just describing the thoughts of many of us right now, or whether most people are more chilled than I.
Tried meditating and it’s useless and I’m pretty active and walk a lot as it is. As I say, I do have plenty of people around me too so I’m aware I could have it so so much worse!
I am wondering if it’s actually common to feel this way, and what people do about it?