In the newsletter it saids to "distract yourself, it's only anxiety" in order to cope with it.

My problem is that my anxiety seems to stem from "real" issues facing me right now, and distracting myself seems to be a band-aid solution.

For instance my child will have to take public transportation to get to and from school. I fear for her safety because she is only 10. I don't think that this is an irrational fear, but I could be wrong.
Distracting myself will not deal with the issue, it will not solve it for me. Once the anxiety settles the issue with still be there.

I will only feel better when this (or other issues) get resolved. By using distraction I feel that I'm faking a solution.
Can anyone provide feedback? Have I misunderstood in any (or many) ways? Any views will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Cutafa,

Geez, I think I would worry about sending a 10-year old to school on public transportation, too!

When Lucinda says "distract yourself, it's only anxiety," I think she means to distract yourself from the symptoms of anxiety.

As for worrying about the problem of sending your 10-year old to school on public transportation, I would take whatever steps you can to make things as safe as you can.

For instance, will there be other kids and friends on the same bus? Are you able to talk to other parents in the same situation? Is it even feasible to start a car-pool to get the kids to school instead?

After you've done what you CAN do about this situation, the only thing I can think of is "let go and let God."

I hope this is helpful to you.

Helen

Dear Cutufa,

Distraction is only one-sixth of the quick fix. The six steps are quick fixes for the symptoms, as Helen explained. We would never tell you to ignore real problems. The six steps help you re-focus your thought processes and get into the problem solving mode.

What do other parents do in this situation? Will you be riding with her a couple of times just for practice? Do you know the driver? I would take him/her a treat once in awhile for keeping a close eye on my child. (I am not above bribery when it comes to my kids

Do you have the program? What lesson are you on?

Pro Problem Solving, Carolyn

Thanks for your replies and ideas!

Yes of course I'm doing everything I can to solve this and any other (real) issues. This has include phoning local politicians, school administrators, submitting appeals and the like. I'm not taking this lightly.

Believe it or not children here, unless they are considered special needs, will not be bussed to school after grade 5.

In any case I wanted to deal with the distraction issue since I'm already in the "problem solving mode," as Carolyn put it. No matter how distracted I get during an episode of anxiety, or how much of the problem I've managed to solve I still get anxiety over it. Most real life situations are like that for me and I guess many others.

I'm not in any lesson but I'm reading the Panic to Power book.