My struggle with anxiety started when I had my kids. It felt “silly” and I was embarrassed to admit how terribly affected I was by it. My anxiety prevented me from going places and doing things on a regular basis.
What was I anxious about? Germs. More specifically - throw up, the dreaded stomach flu. Even more specifically - my kids throwing up... In the car, in their beds, on my couch... ugh.
See it sounds silly, right?
But for me it was/is very real. At the very mention of “my tummy hurts” from one of my kids I can feel the heaviness in my chest as anxiety washes over me. It feels silly to say these words and even when it’s happening I can tell myself that I am overreacting and that it’s going to be fine... yet I just can’t help it and the feeling doesn’t stop.
Because anxiety is real. Very, very real.
I saw a therapist. Yes, I sought help for my anxiety about vomit.. still sounds silly.
I discovered in therapy that I am a control freak.. (ok I kind of already knew that) but my kids throwing up is one of the things I cannot control - it could happen at any moment, anywhere and I don't get to have one bit of a say in it.
My therapist shared a tool with me that I want to share with you that has helped me handle my moments of anxiety... yours are most likely different than mine but whatever they are whether they are serious or (they feel) silly... this may help..
Ask yourself these 6 words:
“What’s the worst that can happen?”
Then go through all the possible worst case scenarios in your head and it will help you to realize that whatever happens you can handle it, you will survive, you can control all of the outcomes. You can control how you handle it.
This has helped me...
Do I still get anxious? Yes. But it has gotten better. AND talking about it helps too.. so thank you.
Anxiety is a very real thing. If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety I hope that this helps. If nothing else I hope it helps you to know that you are not alone... Even if it seems silly.
XO
Mel
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