how can i stop these "worst case scenario" thoughts?

Question

whenever something no matter how small happenes, i exaggerate it, and it seems to me like the end is near. I fell like i could die, get some ilness, that my bf might leave me, etc. When my bro comes home a lil late, im dying of the thought that something myight have happened. hose kind of thoughts are very annoying. is there any way to overcome them and just...relax?? can u learn to relax if ur a nervous person. How can u stop fear from ruling ur life?

Answer 1

This seems like a good question...Sorry I don't have an answer, but I'd just like to see if anyone has an answer.

Answer 2

I have experienced similar thoughts when I was younger. Not to the extent of yours but always felt like there's an accident waiting to happen. I found for me that reading the book by Dale Carnegie "How to stop worrying and start living" really helped me. Sometimes people experience these things and time is what heals. I would recommend for you to maybe do a bit more exercise, listen to some music while you do to get your mind off these feelings. Also pay attention to your diet, eat healthy, and get the right amount of sleep. I'd also suggest talking to someone who loves you and telling them that you have these thoughts. Sometimes just getting it off your chest can help. Good luck.

Answer 3

dont listen to the smart *** comments on here.
this is a common form of anxiety. i have had alot of trouble with this in the past. i was always sooo stressed and just completely nervous all the time! the what if questions kept poping in my head. i had even tried meditation. but trying NOT to think about it only made my fears worse! i would easily have panic attacks almost anywhere i went. it was a HUGE problem for me. as you could imagine! but, the remedy wasnt so simple. i admitted i had a big problem. it was a good place to start... the whole thing was i was afraid of being afraid. fear did take my life over completely. i couldnt even go out with friends becasue, like, i didnt want to be there to see them die and crazy things like that, becasue i felt that they woulde happen! plus, i just let my thoughts go wild! thats what i had to figure out. and i accepted it. then, for the first few weeks, i had alot of people call me to say they were ok, i got out of the house more, etc. and most importantly, I STOPPED WATCHING SOOO MUCH TELEVISION. that put soo much horrible thoughts in my head, from commercials, shows, the news, and the worst, the movies. i had to really, see that the world was safe. and like i said, i went to parks and such with friends, and saw all these happy people, mothers and children, men with dogs, you know, HAPPY people. i wanted to be one soo bad! that was my modivation. after that, i cant even explain what happened. i just worked to calm myself. today i am an ultra relaxed person. im so happy, you know. im laid back now. i was even voted 'most fun' at my school. i am so happy that i overcame my fears, and i hope you can too.

i hope i helped some.

Answer 4

Look up pragmatism (the definition) then look up some techniques for Logic ( philosophy topic, I am serious). I think you need to work things out more with your brain so you can figure out why you are feeling the way you do in a given situation. It is a way to be more objective. As far as putting something out of your mind, just refuse the image, say NO and immediately substitute an innocuous image in that thoughts place. Use the same image every time, say a field of tulips, look at the colors, imagine walking in them.

Answer 5

Since we are a direct result of our thoughts, it is very important to practice positive thinking. This is easier said than done. Years of negative thinking can cause anxiety that requires professional help and medication. It could be a chemical imbalance in the brain. There is a great book out called "Real Magic" by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer that may be helpful for you to read. It teaches how to be happy, healthy, successful and prosperous in daily life. This is accomplished by changing our ways of thinking. Hope that helps. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Hi,
It sounds like you have an anxiety problem. I had this after my son was born. It's typical for a new Mom to have anxiety. For those who have it, without being a new Mom, I feel for you because it's no way to live your life. The "what if's" can really get to you and cause so much stress and anxiety. I would talk with your doctor about this ok. There was a time where it seems like everything was crashing down on me. I had developed Diabetes, (which I don't have any longer...thank God), and my Granny had fell and hurt herself really bad, my father had an accident on a quad...he flipped it over and that 700 pound thing landed on him, and he broke his neck. Nearly left him paralized....my sister was diagnosed with COPD (from her smoking), and it just all was so overwhelming to me because it happened within a two month period. So, I ended up going to the doctor and she put me on what's called, Klonopin. It's mainly for epilepsy, but it also helps level you out when you're having severe anxiety like you're discribing. I took one tablet for 20 days, and after that...I felt a whole lot better. :-) So, talk with your doctor. Klonopin may not be right for you, but there is something out there that will help you. Best wishes...

Answer 7

I used to have similar thoughts all of the time. I thought any ache or pain was a life threatening illness, my house would burn down or someone would break in while I was sleeping, any time someone would get in a car I would be afraid of a terrible accident..... the list went on and on. I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression. Medication changed my life and made me functional again.
Other symtoms: feeling overwhelmed or over stimulated, not letting things roll off your back...

Answer 8

It's called "what if" thinking and is a result of states of anxiety. There are meds (like Paxil) which can help. They help to smooth the messages the brain sends to the receiver. Right now, what's happening, is your "reciever" is holding onto the message too long. Therapy specialized for this problem is also recommended. It won't happen over night, but you WILL get better. I would also suggest seeking the advice and guidance of your local church/temple.

Answer 9

I think like that too. I think most people do to a certain extent. Fear is a form of self presevation so you can be prepared for the worst.

If it's really controlling your life though, maybe you should see someone about your anxiety. I can't really give you any other advice than that sorry.

Answer 10

This is the type of thing mental health therapists are expert at.