Not my Problem

Some days I am better at managing anxiety than on others.

There are a few points of worry right now. Each circumstance presents a unique set of fears and worst-case scenarios.

When I would share these stresses with others, I slowly learned that it wasn’t always helpful to talk about. Occasionally, gaining their perspective made me feel even more overwhelmed.

I also discerned that some people would begin to carry my anxiety as their own. It’s problematic since the conversation changes from a supportive and encouraging tone. Instead it’s a dialogue of speculation or a discussion of what’s wrong with the situation, which results in paranoia for days after.

Paranoid thinking just adds more fuel to the fire of anxiety. It only hurts more than helps. It’s different from logical or strategic thinking. Paranoia is pure distress without actually being able to solve anything.

When I explained all this to my friend Nancy, her advice was simple and effective. She said how others respond to your stress is not your problem (again… so simple and so effective).

 

 

 

 

---