Worried about what ifs ..its crippling

[Biscoffbabe]

Good Morning .....so probably reaching out for a boost of mind set but does anyone else still feel the after affects of covid and all the social etiquette around it.
I'm lots better than I have been after counselling and support however there is no denying my anxiety and worry goes into over drive everytime we have a social function even more so when Ive organised it.

My son is having his first birthday party with school friends next week ( he Is in reception ) and all I can focus on is what if something happens that stops us in our tracks ( illness mostly ) and then from there I go into ultra cautious mode..its so silly but becoming a real drainer on my mood and motivation . my brain tells me the easier option all round is to not put yourself in these situations but my heart says you gotta keep pushing through these worries and I would never deny my DS all the special things he deserves and I want to do as a mum.

I guess I have this weird thing about not wanting people to be annoyed or blame me if we so much as had a cold or sniffle and they believed we gave it them..school is school and I accept its different as they all mix but any extra stuff stresses me out ...really looking for some reassurance this will pass

I bet you're not the only one. Try to put it into perspective - although I know it's hard.

What's the worst that could happen?

You might like to seek help for your anxiety too 💐

No one cares if kids have colds. Sickness bugs are a no no, and we follow guidance to stay at home, but colds are colds. My sons birthday party had to be rearranged at short notice as he got Covid (when there were still some restrictions in place) - both the venue and parents were all completely understanding and we rebooked it for 4 weeks later and sent new invites. By coincidence this coincided with a sickness bug at school, so at least half of his friends couldn't make it. However, it's amazing how quickly you can fill spaces if you text parents and say fine for siblings to attend! Life happens, but the vast majority of parents are very understanding! My own party anxiety is always what if I wrote the wrong date/time on the invite and no one turns up!!

If it’s any help even the oncology department at the local hospital no longer says you have to wear a mask. It’s personal preference now.

You're right to challenge yourself. It would actually be great if you did go ahead with a sniffle or worse because you can then learn that you are overestimating risk and underestimating your ability to cope. You're a conscientious person so your brain learned all the new rules and they stuck, but things are different now so you need to reset the rules.

Oh, also, 'what if you have fun' 'what if nothing bad happens' flip the what if list to consider the positives. Would you like to do some self guided work on it? www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Anxiety

Thankyou all so much for your reply.
Please know each one means alot and I've take it all on board..I think if I had more school mom friends amd through chats etc all of this stuff could be shared..it will come i guess it's early days at school ...trying my absolute best to have a deal with each day as it happens attitude xx