Anxiety about the future

@Cygnus2122

This is called running anxiety.

We project into the future when things are going well and get anxious about something bad happening.

If there is a mental illness involved it can get a whole lot more complex.

When this happens, just notice it’s happening.

Then allow that feeling to be there. Like a smoke detector - practice noticing it when it goes odd and being grateful and calm for what it’s doing. Getting worked up about something like that doesn’t help.

Then just turn the smoke detector off. There are endless ways one could do this. Explore ways that could work for you. Maybe deep breathing or a brisk walk, or drinking some water or visualizing your anxiety being put on a cloud and floating away.

The growth path has the cloud feature and is in general a great thing to do every day. I suggest doing one step on the growth path a day.

Another thing you could do is give yourself a strong “why”. Why am I doing this? Ask yourself that. It could be to create a more compassionate environment for people struggling with serious mental illness - ones born recognized by society and the health system such as borderline personality disorder. Remember everything you think and say goes out into the world. So send as much love out as you can and be there for others.

Be grateful. Grateful you don’t have an illness that keeps you our feet rom well buoying the company of your family. That is something many, many people don’t have due to being born with a severe and stigmatized mental illness.

And try talk about good things. Watch what you say. Don’t make villains of others just because they did something in the past. Let it go and make room for more love, acceptance and safety in this world. There are many struggling with chronic homelessness, poverty and illness alone, watching themselves fade while fighting a losing battle, without the comforts many take for granted.

Have a nice night.

*off

*mental illness - ones not recognized and stigmatized heavily by society, the health care system and everyone else basically.

*grateful you don’t have an illness that keeps you from enjoying your family.

@Cygnus2122

Hi Cygnus,

It sounds like you could be suffering from anticipatory grief, where we mourn the loss of someone before they have passed. It sounds like you are struggling with some pretty tough fears about the loss of your parents, which is completely understandable, especially considering you are so close. The unknown can be scary, and the future is not always as predictable as we wish it could be. It sounds like your parents are such a constant in your life, that thoughts of losing them are also bringing up fears of loss of stability and support. Does this sound about right?

I can't speak to your experience because it is unique to you, but I can relate to anxiety over loss. I recently lost a loved one and it was difficult, even before they passed because I knew they were sick. I had many fears of how to cope without them, and grappled with what my future might look like once they were gone.

You are absolutely not alone in this and your feelings are valid. Do you think finding healthy ways to cope with the fears might alleviate some of the anxiety? The growth path on this app is helpful with mindfulness and reflection exercises. It can really help you breathe and relax. Or, just talking can really help. I am here to listen whenever you need. Just send me a message.

I hope you find some relief and peace. Take care. 🙂

Yes. You have hit the nail on the head. I’m very concerned what the future will look like without them. I know it’s going to happen someday and I just feel like I need to prepare.

I have also had these thoughts. I didn’t know there was a term for this type of anxiety. I work in the medical field so at times I see people and their illnesses and it worries me about my own parents. Both are healthy as well. It’s helpful to know that others experience this type of anxiety and I am not alone. Hang in there and enjoy your time with them.