I am easily triggered by things that happen, feeling anxious, etc.
When someone close is unwell, I would think of the worst, feeling anxious and causing my BP to spring high. E.g last night my dad was saying how he had been feeling pain on his left side chest for 1.5 weeks. I was so anxious that I insisted he had to go do an x-ray at the hospital. On the way there, I can feel my BP has shot up. It was only after we realized it was shingles that I relaxed a little. Even then when I got home my BP was around 150+. Took awhile to finally bring it down.
Another instance would be seeing obituaries in social media, I would feel uneasy.
Times when I hear of people falling critically ill, I would be very worried too
When I am unwell, I would constantly be thinking am I critically ill, have cancer, etc.
I would tear easily too.
I need to find a way to control my emotions and anxiety better.
I am easily triggered by things that happen, feeling anxious, etc.
When someone close is unwell, I would think of the worst, feeling anxious and causing my BP to spring high. E.g last night my dad was saying how he had been feeling pain on his left side chest for 1.5 weeks. I was so anxious that I insisted he had to go do an x-ray at the hospital. On the way there, I can feel my BP has shot up. It was only after we realized it was shingles that I relaxed a little. Even then when I got home my BP was around 150+. Took awhile to finally bring it down.
Another instance would be seeing obituaries in social media, I would feel uneasy.
Times when I hear of people falling critically ill, I would be very worried too
When I am unwell, I would constantly be thinking am I critically ill, have cancer, etc.
I would tear easily too.
I need to find a way to control my emotions and anxiety better.
I thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you’re going through a lot of overwhelming emotions and stress, especially when those around you are unwell. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious, especially when it comes to loved ones’ health. Many of us find ourselves imagining the worst-case scenarios when we don’t have control over the situation. I can sense your deep sense of empathy for your dad and those around you. I also note that it affects you so much that your own health gets affected and it even causes you to tear when you see others unwell.
First, I want to acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel worried, but it also sounds like your anxiety is affecting your health. It’s important to take small steps to protect both your mental and physical well-being.
Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Mindful Breathing: When anxiety strikes, try deep breathing exercises to help lower your heart rate. Simple practices like inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds can activate your body’s relaxation response.
Journaling or Speaking to Someone: Writing down your feelings or talking to a trusted friend or therapist can help you process your emotions more clearly. Sometimes just sharing what’s on your mind can ease the burden.
Grounding Techniques: When you feel overwhelmed, focusing on the present moment can help. Grounding exercises, such as focusing on the feeling of your feet on the floor or noticing five things around you, can bring you back to the here and now.
Set Boundaries with Information: If seeing certain posts or hearing about illnesses on social media causes you anxiety, it might be helpful to take a break or limit exposure to these triggers when possible.
Self-care: Ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that make you feel calm and centered. Even small moments of relaxation, like taking a walk or listening to soothing music, can help.
Seeking Professional Support: Sometimes, professional guidance is the best way to learn to manage anxiety. A therapist or counsellor can help you develop strategies for coping with these emotions and fears in a healthier way.
You’re not alone in these feelings, and it’s okay to ask for help. Taking these small steps can help you gain some control over your anxiety and bring more peace into your life. Be kind to yourself as you navigate these emotions.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on anxiety on this forum. I appreciate you for reaching out for help . Anxiety is a totally normal emotion to feel . It can be good and bad too . And know that it’s alright to feel anxious,nervous and overwhelmed. But most importantly, within the anxiety learn to create your own safe zone and environments. Maybe you could try breathing exercises/coping mechanisms or find ways to cope through sensory exercises to help you through distressing moments.
As someone who’s been struggling with anxiety, I identify with your experiences and thoughts . It’s scary , terrifying and hard to cope but remember it’s there for a reason and learn to befriend yourself in the dark . Know that you are not alone, reach out to your loved ones when needed and learn the power of being kind to yourself. Alright ^^
Sending love, kindness and hugs your way
@kwantingchingu I Wan Ting Befriender , let’s talk by mindline.sg
Hello @Eevee11 ! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Having so much worry all the time must be tiring, and you seem to really care about others around you. When your mind jumps directly to the worst-case scenario, your body follows suit, causing your heart to race, your blood pressure to rise, and your emotions to overwhelm you. You are not to blame. Even if it overreacts sometimes, your brain is attempting to protect you.
When these ideas arise, focussing on the here and now might be helpful. Anxiety might sometimes be lessened by just reminding oneself that worrying won’t alter the course of events.
Speaking with a therapist, doctor, or even a close friend about coping mechanisms for these emotions may also be beneficial. You deserve to feel less anxious and to stop living in continual dread.
Really appreciate all the replies. So far I have gone for one session with a physiologist. Supposed to follow up but not done so far using work as excuse.
Hello @Eevee11 ! The fact that you’ve gone for 1 session is really commendable. It’s understandable that we might use busy as an excuse or to avoid the problem we are facing. Perhaps you can try to give yourself some time to digest the problem you’re facing.
