Everyone should read this! Huge help!

[Heathera]

Okay guys, so I'll admit that I was having a mini panic attack about an hour ago. I was upset because of all the tragedy that has been going on lately with my Mom died recently and I got disowned, and junk like that, and I got over whelmed and started panicking. I told my husband that I just didn't want any more tragedy for a while and that I'm so worried about the future, and I am always thinking "what's next".

He has been working patiently with me through my anxiety. He looked me straight in the eyes and said: "Heather don't bring grenades to Disney World." 

Of course I was like huh? So he explained. He reminded me that we have today. Today is wonderful, we have food, shelter, the doctors say we're healthy, bills are paid, and life at this point is good and happy. He continued "But anxiety is like a grenade. When you worry about tragedy (tragedy that may not even happen...) it's like you're bringing it to an otherwise happy, beautiful place which is our life right now at home. Why would you bring something so negative, and painful (and ultimately useless) to such a happy place? You wouldn't bring a grenade to Disney would you?" Of course I was like, no. "So why would you allow such a happy day to be ruined by something that isn't even useful, and is actually damaging to your happy place?"

I learn better if I can think of a story or a picture to relate whatever I'm learning about to. The idea of how detrimental and stupid worrying about things that may not even happen is, compares very well with a grenade. It's just there to bring worry, and pain, and otherwise ruin to what would have been a really awesome day. He wasn't saying that I shouldn't voice my panic or worries. He encourages me actually to talk myself down, and helps me, but what he was trying to explain is that home is a refuge. A place you can relax. And by me worrying about my health or his health, I'm never allowing myself to enjoy that refuge and relaxation. I'm bringing the junk that I've gone through and putting it in my line of sight rather than seeing all the wonderful things happening right now. It helped put me back into perspective. I hope this helps you guys too. 

[heartyworrier]

Wow!  Thanks for this.  Your husband really made a good point and said it well.  Reading this really made me think, It is so true too. 

[Heathera]

I'm glad it's brought encouragement to you! When I find something that helps me an my anxiety I try to post about it. Therapy should be free (at least in my opinion, and payment should be doing something for someone else to help them.). So I'm glad this has helped you. 

[Jenfr8801]

Awww....this makes so much sense.  I've had such an awful day of anxiety today.  Your post made me look at my daughter's sweet face, and just enjoy it, and not worry.  I'm so sick of worrying about things that will most likely not happen.  I don't want to waste my years with her....she's growing too fast. 

Thanks for posting!! 

[Heathera]

Jenfr8801 I'm happy I posted this too. It almost stopped my panic instantly. Kind of like giving a pacifier to a crying baby. I'm happy it has helped you. It's one of those one liners that's (in my opinion) easy to remember when freakn' out. Those are always great. I don't have any children yet, but I am a new Mommy to a little white kitten, so, just like you, I have better things to focus on than worry.

[jack1000]

That's an awesome message.

Can you thank him from me.   

One thing you can do is complete the following sentence as many time as possible.

Don't cry  for me

E.g.


Dont cry for me because I had a nice lunch and am not hungry
Dont cry for me because I don't feel the need to smoke
Etc.


When I did this it made me realize how lucky I am.

[missworried]

Thank you for sharing this.

[Alix Vermulst]

thanks, you have a clever husband..

[Heathera]

XD Thanks. I'm so happy this is helping you guys! Yesterday I went out with my husband and some of his buddies to a pool hall and I started to feel anxiety, but then I was like. "Hey there is so much fun stuff going on right now, why am I going to allow this to ruin it? Why take this grenade?" and almost instantly the fear went away. So if a simple phrase can help me, I'm so happy it's helping you guys too. 

[Sandra01]

Well, I already know that I am hurting my family with my anxiety and that it is harmful to my kids. I just dont' know how to turn it off.

[Heathera]

Dear Sandra01, I hear you and completely agree. That's kind of where I am. I thinking that I'm getting close to the end of my journey with my hypo self, but those bad days can still be really bad.

It's really one day at a time. One hour at a time, and don't pressure yourself to be happy all the time (that pressure can cause anxiety.) Don't get discouraged. The fact your on this site and making an effort to find answers is wonderful. Some people make anxiety their best friend subconsciously and don't work on eliminating it. But the fact that you are on here and working on it is something you should be proud of. Keep up the good work and recognize when you do well, and be proud of yourself!

[shade]

Thanks for sharing!  It's a great analogy.  Just wish it really was that easy in terms of changing the thought process.  What he is saying makes perfect sense tho!!

[diana66]

Great analogy - trying to implement!  This past year, my HA has shifted periodically onto my teenagers.  I realized that I scan their necks for swollen lymph nodes when I kiss them goodnight...and scan their bodies for anything "wrong" when I see them in their bathing suits...and your analogy should make me STOP.  I am ruining what I see - a beautiful, healthy child (at least for today.).  Great post!

[caseyish]

I read this and it's made me feel loads better! I'd never thought of it like that. Thank you husband from me!

Hope you do well! :)