i'm on the tail end (hopefully) of my latest growth spurt. This has been no where near the anxiety level of where i was 8-months ago, but it has been much more difficult that the usual spurts.

I have several topics that scare me and cause me to spiral out of control, usually starts with a health concern. From there I get all the old feelings and shakiness back until all my fears come cycling back.

The one i have the most trouble with is a huge fear of depression and/or losing the enjoyment from life. I have never had any depression in my life and I have a great job, wife, family, I am very blessed and I know it. But when I get going on the obsession, it is like i have to tell myself these things over and over to reassure myself. I know that i'm not depressed. When I'm not having the anxiety episode I know that I'm not going to just wake up one day and lose all hope. But during these spurts it is something I have to keep reminding myself of over and over.

I have other issues that I get haunted by during spurts, but this one is the major one.

Does anyone have this problem? Any theories why I find this one issue so hard?


thanks for your help.

quote:

When I'm not having the anxiety episode I know that I'm not going to just wake up one day and lose all hope. But during these spurts it is something I have to keep reminding myself of over and over.

This is the challenge....to hang on to what we know to be true while we are in the middle of fear and confusion. I even wrote down the true statements so I could remind myself when I started to get panicky, confused and lost. It's easy to say positive things to yourself on a good day... few body symptoms, those around us are calm, we are having success... but when it all comes tumbling down and the obsessions start, how are you going to stay strong? It is hand-to-hand combat at those times. And you are guaranteed a victory if you keep talking to yourself with kindness and compassion. Fear cannot hold its ground if you do not feed it. So make up your mind to remind yourself over and over and over and over again until it becomes more your habit to be positive than negative.

You can do it.
Tammy

I have the exact same issues. My fears are very similar with health concerns, and I'm still chasing down WHY i feel that way. Unfortunately, I have no theory - well maybe one - we are type A people and if we are not using that racing brain for something productive the brain finds something to focus on. I'm currently trying to "re-focus..."

Good to know you! Hope all goes well in the coming days...

I too went through the program.
It has done wonders. I have had many growth spurt as well.
As a result of the program, I admited to myself that I did have depression. I was scared. I talked with a few professionals and got the help that was needed. It was not scarey any more. I guess what I am trying to say is what worked for me was I would write my fears down and then problem solve.
You do not have depression.
I worry about my health. I got a complete physical and I am healthy. I solved that issue.
This what worked for me. There is always help out there. This forum is good for support too. It is good to know that I am not alone.
Thanks for letting me share.