Any other FOT worriers out there?

[Andy]

I've always been a worrier.  I come from a family at least 3 generations deep of worriers, but lately, mine has gotten out of control.  I wake up at about 2 every morning and lay in bed and think about work.  I've finally gotten to the point that I'll just get up and go to work (at least then my wife can sleep without having to listen to me toss and turn)

I'm thinking about seeing someone about this.  I don't want to take any kind of medication because I've seen family members go down that road and it just dulls their drive, which is not what I want. I've also seen it drive family members to alcoholism.

Anyone else a worrier?  How do you handle it?

[Martin]

What, me worry? You bet. I'm very much a worrier. I stay up all night worrying about everything and anything, and I'm often dead tired the next day (today, for instance). Just ruins the day.

I have no idea how to get over the sleep thing other than the obvious - get stuff out of the way before you go to sleep, make insanely detailed lists about what to do the next day, etc. I'm at the borderline-OCD level of list-making at this point. I'm loving it!

I blame my mom, who's a Major Worrier.

[Sarah]

I am a worrier.  In fact, I got about four hours of sleep last night, because when I woke up at 4:30 this morning, worries about training the new boxer immediately started racing through my head.  What I call the hamster wheel began turning:  I would run through the entire list of concerns and then start over again from the beginning--over and over again. 

What to do about it?  Since I think worrying is one of the stupidest pursuits of humankind--what good, after all, does it do?--I try to apply heavy doses of reason to the affected area.  While not entirely effective, this treatment does help, especially if used consistently. 

Method:  Every time you notice yourself worrying compulsively, firmly but gently remind yourself that you're being an idiot.  Usually, this will stop you for a moment.  Very quickly, however--especially when you first try this--you'll get on the hamster wheel again.  At that point, reprimand yourself once more.  Repeat as necessary.  Believe it or not, if you do this consistently, it will make a difference.  Eventually, you will be able to halt the compulsive behavior more quickly, even though you will probably never eliminate it completely.

[John Junk]

I am a serious worrier, but I used to be worse.  I also sorta drink beer all the time, so that cuts the worry, but it doesn't necessarily improve life.  I've been able to keep my sanity in the past by forcing myself to get some exercise and drinking stuff like "Tension Tamer" tea.  Seriously.  I think the exercise thing is a good call --but not if you start worrying about exercise! More like take a real low- expectation jog regularly.  maybe 1.5 miles if you're not that into fitness.  And go as slow as you damn well please.  It clears the mind.  It does! Really long walks can replace the jogging.  You could walk for like four miles and do all your worrying while you walk.  don't listen to stuff with a lot of talking while you're walking.  Listen to music you like or nothing at all.  I'd stay away from like Wu-Tang clan during these walks. Also, maybe take a break from those NPR news programes and stuff that adds extra nothing-to-do-with-your-life worry on top of your day-to-day worry.

[Dan B]

Yeah, it's not good.  My problem is that I don't worry for a long time and take it easy and then I get pissed off at myself for doing nothing and then I worry mega.

[Richard_From_CHI]

I am a lawyer, I worry in a very comprehensive, calculating, actuarial kindof way.

[Miss]

My illnesses and a lot of autoimmune diseases are triggered by stress and traumatic experience. At least - it is my belief. While Fibromyalgia is an actual biological illness and it isn't all in your head, I do believe it was caused by stress. I think that my body, when I was a kid, was just so stressed out, it somehow took on a crappy way to deal with the worry - fighting itself.

I have panic attacks and extreme social/personal anxiety now that I've been ill. I used to be outgoing and happy go lucky. I loved helping people and children, but since diagnosis have become less and less sociable and trusting to people. I've been mistreated by many people in my life who were supposed to be there to help me, which has traumatized me all over again.

I worry constantly. I have panic attacks, I am irritable and tired. But I try my hardest not to bring myself and others down, because it directly affects my health. Flares are caused by stress, I get sick when I am stressed. It's a bad cycle.