Dear Cutie,
I thought perhaps you might be able to shed some light on something that I can’t get a handle on.
Despite having a great life, I struggle with anxiety. I think it is mostly due to my mom being sick for the bulk of my life (and dying when she was 54) that I have such anxiety about my health. I am SO SCARED of every little twinge, ache, pain, itch, mole.
Right now, I am extremely anxious about a mole on my face. I have seen my doctor, and she says I have nothing to worry about. Despite this, she has referred me to a dermatologist, who will likely say the same thing. My appointment with him is November 30th, and I have decided that this mole has to go, regardless of whether it looks bad or not. Â
However, until then, I have to learn to deal with the anxiety over something that gives me no real good reason to be anxious about.
Do you have some words of advice? Â I feel like I can’t overcome this recurrent anxiety. I feel like this is my kryptonite, my achilles heel.
Signed,
Nerves
Dear Nerves,
I know that you think you are upset about your health, but you might also be upset about something else in your life. Have you considered talking to your doctor about all the stress you are having? Doctors are familiar with this kind of thing and may have some good direction for you to take.
Anxiety can be overwhelming, but I have found that the best way to navigate it is to focus on taking care of yourself. Join a gym and work out your anxiety with exercise. Write in your journal. Take a soak in the tub (don’t forget the bubbles!). Talk on the telephone. Watch a good movie.
And instead of worrying, try to spend some time listening. To God, if you believe. To the wind, if you like that kind of thing. Just try to sit still and “be” without giving in to worry. It is your mind, and you can control it if you find the right tools.
I will think good thoughts for you and I trust that you will do what you can to take care of yourself.
Love,
Cutie
Dear Cutie,
I thought perhaps you might be able to shed some light on something that I can’t get a handle on.
Despite having a great life, I struggle with anxiety. I think it is mostly due to my mom being sick for the bulk of my life (and dying when she was 54) that I have such anxiety about my health. I am SO SCARED of every little twinge, ache, pain, itch, mole.
Right now, I am extremely anxious about a mole on my face. I have seen my doctor, and she says I have nothing to worry about. Despite this, she has referred me to a dermatologist, who will likely say the same thing. My appointment with him is November 30th, and I have decided that this mole has to go, regardless of whether it looks bad or not. Â
However, until then, I have to learn to deal with the anxiety over something that gives me no real good reason to be anxious about.
Do you have some words of advice? Â I feel like I can’t overcome this recurrent anxiety. I feel like this is my kryptonite, my achilles heel.
Signed,
Nerves
Dear Nerves,
I know that you think you are upset about your health, but you might also be upset about something else in your life. Have you considered talking to your doctor about all the stress you are having? Doctors are familiar with this kind of thing and may have some good direction for you to take.
Anxiety can be overwhelming, but I have found that the best way to navigate it is to focus on taking care of yourself. Join a gym and work out your anxiety with exercise. Write in your journal. Take a soak in the tub (don’t forget the bubbles!). Talk on the telephone. Watch a good movie.
And instead of worrying, try to spend some time listening. To God, if you believe. To the wind, if you like that kind of thing. Just try to sit still and “be” without giving in to worry. It is your mind, and you can control it if you find the right tools.
I will think good thoughts for you and I trust that you will do what you can to take care of yourself.
Love,
Cutie