Freaking Out About Housing

[MissScripture]

I don't see it as dumb. It helps me. If I'm nervous about something, I think "What's the worst that could possibly happen?" I think, realize there's practically a zero percent chance anything bad is going to happen, and I'm fine.

There is a difference between being anxious and having problems with anxiety.

[PhuturePriest]

There is a difference between being anxious and having problems with anxiety.

 

I have had problems with anxiety. It runs in the family.

[OnlySunshine]

I don't see it as dumb. It helps me. If I'm nervous about something, I think "What's the worst that could possibly happen?" I think, realize there's practically a zero percent chance anything bad is going to happen, and I'm fine.

 

To be honest, Lil Red is right.  That is the wrong thing to say someone who has anxiety disorder because it makes their mind start thinking of all that can happen.  Even if you didn't intend that, it happens.  The best thing to say is more like "this is a good learning experience and you will get past this."  ;)

[PhuturePriest]

To be honest, Lil Red is right.  That is the wrong thing to say someone who has anxiety disorder because it makes their mind start thinking of all that can happen.  Even if you didn't intend that, it happens.  The best thing to say is more like "this is a good learning experience and you will get past this."  ;)

 

Well, I arguably have a slight anxiety disorder, and maybe it's because I have an odd sense of humor, but if I'm having an inordinate amount of anxiety about something, I think "What's the worst that can happen?", and I start to think of all the ridiculous things that have a 0% chance of happening. Confession doesn't scare me anymore (I actually love confessing my sins, as weird as that is), but when I used to, I would think "The worst that can possibly happen is I tell him something he's never heard, he excommunicates me, and I live in shame for the rest of my life." However, that has a 0% chance of happening, so I would laugh at the prospect and feel better.

[Lil Red]

I don't see it as dumb. It helps me. If I'm nervous about something, I think "What's the worst that could possibly happen?" I think, realize there's practically a zero percent chance anything bad is going to happen, and I'm fine.

 

what works for you doesn't mean that it works for everyone with anxiety. 

[EmilyAnn]

Well, I arguably have a slight anxiety disorder, and maybe it's because I have an odd sense of humor, but if I'm having an inordinate amount of anxiety about something, I think "What's the worst that can happen?", and I start to think of all the ridiculous things that have a 0% chance of happening. Confession doesn't scare me anymore (I actually love confessing my sins, as weird as that is), but when I used to, I would think "The worst that can possibly happen is I tell him something he's never heard, he excommunicates me, and I live in shame for the rest of my life." However, that has a 0% chance of happening, so I would laugh at the prospect and feel better.

 

For a lot of people with really serious anxiety, thinking it has 0% chance of happening really doesn't help. I might know that the noises outside my bedroom door in the night are definitely just the cat scratching the carpet, but that doesn't stop me from having anxiety levels through the roof because it might just be a murderer sharpening his knife. I know that talking to that person I don't know won't be awful, but I still feel like I can't breathe. Likelihood doesn't change that fact that those worst-case scenarios are running through my head and I can't get read of them. 

[Pax_et bonum]

Here's why "relax, what's the worst that could happen" doesn't help someone having an anxiety attack; it's not something so easily controlled. 

 

 

I understand that it helps you which is great, but now you know that it will most likely just make others angry at you. It's been a learning experience for you, so just take the correction with good grace.

[HisChildForever]

For a lot of people with really serious anxiety, thinking it has 0% chance of happening really doesn't help. I might know that the noises outside my bedroom door in the night are definitely just the cat scratching the carpet, but that doesn't stop me from having anxiety levels through the roof because it might just be a murderer sharpening his knife. I know that talking to that person I don't know won't be awful, but I still feel like I can't breathe. Likelihood doesn't change that fact that those worst-case scenarios are running through my head and I can't get read of them. 

 

Yeah...It would be nice if there was such a simple "off" switch.

[EmilyAnn]

Yeah...It would be nice if there was such a simple "off" switch.

 

It really would be. And it would do wonders for my blood pressure, I'm pretty sure. 

[HisChildForever]

Here's why "relax, what's the worst that could happen" doesn't help someone having an anxiety attack; it's not something so easily controlled. 

 

 

I understand that it helps you which is great, but now you know that it will most likely just make others angry at you. It's been a learning experience for you, so just take the correction with good grace.

 

The definition leaves out "anxiety attack - feeling like you're about to die." That's always a pleasant experience. :/

[HisChildForever]

It really would be. And it would do wonders for my blood pressure, I'm pretty sure. 

 

Right? I used to feel anxious even when my mind was calm. Like full-blown physical symptoms as soon as I woke up until the time I'd go to bed. I use past tense because medication has eradicated 99% of that. Best decision ever.

[OnlySunshine]

I hate anxiety attacks.  For the most part, I've really gotten a handle on them thanks to CBT and my AMAZING therapist.  But, then the flip switches and I have a horrible anxiety attack.  I remember last year when I started working for the daycare center full-time and it was about an hour commute.  There was one day where I'd just had enough after having issues with the director and teacher.  I got stuck in a traffic jam and I was really panicking that I was already late.  I decided to turn on the Rosary CD I had to try to pray but nothing worked.  I had to pull out of the traffic jam and I got off at the next exit because I knew of a shortcut.  However, I never made it that far.  I got to a gas station and just started crying.  I wanted nothing to do with working at the daycare center.  I'd already accepted the job just because I needed one which I know never to do (now!).  I ended up quitting right there and then.  Strangely enough, it was a great decision.  I realized that daycare work is just not for me if I have to work in the classroom.  I'm fine working in an office setting.

 

Thankfully, I seem to only have one really bad attack once a year.  I guess I was overdue.  :)

Edited July 13, 2013 by MaterMisericordiae

[PhuturePriest]

Here's why "relax, what's the worst that could happen" doesn't help someone having an anxiety attack; it's not something so easily controlled. 

 

 

I understand that it helps you which is great, but now you know that it will most likely just make others angry at you. It's been a learning experience for you, so just take the correction with good grace.

 

You seem to be implying that I, a ballroom dancer, do not have grace in every occasion and predicament. :P

 

I didn't realize the anxiety issue was this extreme. I figured it was just the regular fears. Sorry if I made anyone feel bad/more anxious than before.