When worrying becomes a preoccupation
The uncertainty that the pandemic has caused might exacerbate our worries and anxieties. Not knowing what the future will entail after these unusual times can be very unsettling. Is there a way to find some comfort in not knowing? Talk In The Bay therapist, Teresa Hughes, shares her thoughts about worries and anxiety.
Most worries are based on future events that do not actually occur. The process of having such thoughts can create anxiety. Worries are fears which can cause us to become paralysed and scared to take action.
There are times during our lives when we will all have concerns, this is a completely normal human response. It is when worrying becomes a preoccupation and creates negative thought patterns it is time for change. Listen to your internal dialogue, can you identify a pattern of negative thinking? If so, are these thoughts realistic? It is as easy to have a positive thought as it is to have a negative one.
It can be helpful to reality check the issues which are causing you emotional disturbance.
Start by writing a list of your worries, carefully examine each item on the list, then write down why this particular worry may not occur. If the situation does arise, how will you deal with it? This will help you develop coping strategies and lead to solution focused thinking.
Prior to my training in Counselling and Bereavement Therapy, I was an expert at worrying. This caused me great distress and anxiety. During the training, it was compulsory for all prospective students to have Talking Therapy; this was to prove life changing for me. It enabled me to alter my unhelpful thought processes and I became more confident, positive and empowered as a result. I believe my experience of anxiety has developed within me advanced empathy with my clients.
Talking honestly and verbalising how you feel can be very helpful. There is absolutely no shame in admitting when we are struggling emotionally. It is my belief Talking Therapy can be seen as preventative medicine. We can liberate ourselves from unhealthy, negative thinking, embrace life and live it fully without the suffocating burden of fear.
