Worrying too much?

Do you ever feel like your mind won’t stop? Does it jump from subject to subject, giving you more and more to do in an imaginary pile of work? You’re not alone. In fact, worry is one of the most common experiences that we share. Worry is not isolated to being older. It can even impact young children, youth, young adults, and everyone across the spectrum.

Sometimes worry will help us accomplish things we need to do (such as, “If I don’t wash those clothes, I won’t have anything to wear to my appointment”). Other times, the worry is unproductive and actually harmful. In fact, many times, the things we worry about don’t happen. Related to this is worrying about things that have already happened (though sometimes we wish we could change them, we can’t undo them). In high school my English teacher had a poem on the wall which read, “Worry is like a rocking chair… It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere…”.

So, what do I do to help myself with worry? Here are a few pointers.

Ask yourself:

• Is the problem solvable?

• Is it a “real” problem?

• Is it your problem or something for someone else to worry about?

• Can I do something about it right now?

Other things you may do:

• “Schedule” a worry time – tell yourself you will deal with this in that worry time.

• Write down your worries and potential solutions that involve you (you can’t control what other people do or don’t do).

If your worry is intense and impacts your health and well-being, let your care provider know it is weighing heavily on you and you would like help. Also, if you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical assistance:

• Feeling nervous.

• Feeling powerless.

• A sense of impending danger, panic or doom.

• An increased heart rate.

• Rapid breathing, which can lead to faintness (hyperventilation).

• Sweating.

• Trembling.

• Feeling weak or tired.

Worry doesn’t have to rule your life. You can take back control. Call us at Senior Care 601-703-4917 to discuss how we can help you regain happiness.

Spencer Blalock is a clinical specialist with Senior Care – a service of Rush Health Systems.