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Anxiety about your future

User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 January 16th

Definition of Anxiety: fear of uneasiness, dread, and uneasiness as a result of stress.

It is completely normal to feel uneasy about growing older, since we do not have an instruction manual for it. Everyone eventually will grow old there is no way to stop it but we must face the changes we will be dealt with.

It is normal to worry about how we will live, how we will be able to support yourself, and how we will manage. You begin with the "what if's", "can I live alone properly". and "will I be a burden to my children and family".

Anticipatory anxiety is not a diagnostic condition but it is also known as anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. This becomes a day-to-day function for many. The resulting distress can be seen through hyperventilation, stomach distress, and other physical symptoms.

This type of anxiety can routine events happening in your life. We graduate college or move onto a new job employment, then we begin to worry about what next will happen.

Breaking the cycle:

We begin to get a hold of the "what-if" before we spiral into anxiety. A high school graduate may begin to fear that they will not have it easy once they go to college.

They begin to wonder of th risks of meeting class assignments, speeches given in front of others, and maintaining the grades that had in high school. We also can feel this way when promoted at work, getting a raise for your performance at work, and dealing with the pressure of new job titles.

Reasons for having anxiety:

uncertainty- being uncertain of what your future will hold for you.

past experiences: neggative event can bring uncertain thoughts.

castrophizing: having a mental thought that terrible things may come.

How to Cope:

stay in the present: do not worry about yesterday that day is over, do not worry about tommorrow because it is not here. Stay focused on the day your in.

reframe your thoughts: challenge the negative thoughts and turn them into positive affirmations.

build resilience: develop positive things daily in your life, sleep better, eat healthier, and exercise more.

take action: begin to grow goals for as you grow older "In 5 years I want to be doing this", "in 5 years I want to see myself being able to"

What is the 3-3-3 technique of over thinking:

This technique requires you to look aroundand identify 3 objects and sound. Then move 3 body parts

How do you not worry about the future?



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User Profile: Amanda84
Amanda84 January 16th

@pamharley003

Thank you so much for this technique 🤗💚

Very helpful and clear 🥰

1 reply
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP January 16th

@Amanda84

your welcome, I am going to use this technique when my stress and or anxiety get bad. It seems to help me.

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User Profile: purpleTree4652
purpleTree4652 January 16th

@pamharley003 I'm afraid I don't forget about my worries.  I need a job.  I tried the three things, and it didn't work.  I'm heavily worried.  


1 reply
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP January 16th

@purpleTree4652

I know trying to find a job can make you more stressed because money is tight etc. I hope something comes to you sooner than later 

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User Profile: amiablePeace77
amiablePeace77 January 16th

@pamharley003

Thank you for this post pam! 

I worry about the future at times. Something that helps me in the moment is to ground myself, the 333 technique you stated is very helpful with this. Other things that help me a lot is reframing my thoughts to get a clear picture of a situation, checking whether my thoughts are created by past events and having a plan B what can give a feeling of safety.

User Profile: The24hrClimber
The24hrClimber January 17th

@pamharley003
Hello Pam! It's Climber here...how do I become part of the taglist? 

2 replies
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP January 17th

@The24hrClimber

Hi Climber, please click the link and write please add me or fill out the form given. You can doi the same for mindfulness also. https://www.7cups.com/forum/50plus/General_2434/JoinTheTaglistgetalertssoyoudonotmissanythingin50Community_365127/

1 reply
User Profile: The24hrClimber
The24hrClimber January 18th

@pamharley003 
Thanks Pam :)

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User Profile: adventurousFarm8706
adventurousFarm8706 January 17th

Thank you so much for this post! ❤️

@pamharley003

Nice info

User Profile: RunningMachine
RunningMachine January 18th

@pamharley003

This is my biggest cause of anxiety and the main reason i found 7-Cups, i'll try and catch you online.


1 reply
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP January 18th

@RunningMachine

Hi Running, You may write me at anytime you need something. I will be glad to answer you back with help as soon as I sign online. I am always here for everyone. Just remind me that you answered a post of mine. So I can answer you back

have a great day 

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