Firehead
31-10-23, 14:42
Previously, I dealt with my GAD issues using the classic techniques. I had various psychotherapists and learned to deal with my problems satisfactorily. The main difference then was that I came to realise the majority of my fears were unfounded, hypothetical worries about which I would often catastrophise.
Now, however, I am in a situation (not health related) where the majority of my worries are based on a firm reality: things really could go wrong. I have checked my thinking with trusted people who have helped me in the past and they agree. Unfortunately, these problems are dependent on other people’s actions and so there is much uncertainty that is beyond my control. All outcomes are bad but some are better than others. So, far so “good”, I can put these worries into the category of real things that I can do, at least something about and there are things that I can do to help myself.
The problem is that I have taken to catastrophising about these new real worries and it is made even worse by the fact that they are based on truth. I find myself paralysed into inaction by the weight of these potential (imagined?) outcomes. I am extremely good at compartmentalising and so can give myself respite from excessive fear: I sleep well and feel reasonably well at these times. Nevertheless, I have to stop blocking things out and deal with the issues at various times. I find myself putting off addressing the problems until the last minute owing to the sheer pain of facing them.
How can I break into this vicious cycle of ignore/panic? How can I use CBT style (or even common sense!) solutions when I can’t stand to think about the problems?
Thank you,
Firehead
Now, however, I am in a situation (not health related) where the majority of my worries are based on a firm reality: things really could go wrong. I have checked my thinking with trusted people who have helped me in the past and they agree. Unfortunately, these problems are dependent on other people’s actions and so there is much uncertainty that is beyond my control. All outcomes are bad but some are better than others. So, far so “good”, I can put these worries into the category of real things that I can do, at least something about and there are things that I can do to help myself.
The problem is that I have taken to catastrophising about these new real worries and it is made even worse by the fact that they are based on truth. I find myself paralysed into inaction by the weight of these potential (imagined?) outcomes. I am extremely good at compartmentalising and so can give myself respite from excessive fear: I sleep well and feel reasonably well at these times. Nevertheless, I have to stop blocking things out and deal with the issues at various times. I find myself putting off addressing the problems until the last minute owing to the sheer pain of facing them.
How can I break into this vicious cycle of ignore/panic? How can I use CBT style (or even common sense!) solutions when I can’t stand to think about the problems?
Thank you,
Firehead