I mean, that’s how my ADHD and anxiety combo works: every waking moment is either
A: really thinking about everything, including completely inconsequential stuff, my brain making me super worried about most of it
Or
B: trying with various degrees of success to distract myself away from doing A. This in turn often tends to make me forget things that I DO need to be aware of, such as appointments etc, worsening A.
Also, deliberately ignoring things you’re worrying about backfires when they do come to pass, because then you feel guilty for ignoring them and like you’re losing control.
At least it’s like that for me. Perhaps not for you, I hope so!
I guess the thing missing from the chart is “can you do something about it?” -> “do something” -> “don’t worry.” Worry is only useful in that it prompts us to go “this thing could be a problem” and take action to address it. If we can’t do anything about it (or aren’t deciding to do something) then devoting energy and thought cycles to worrying doesn’t benefit us.
Replace “Then don’t worry” with “If you really think about it you should definitely be worried” and this is my life.
I mean, that’s how my ADHD and anxiety combo works: every waking moment is either
A: really thinking about everything, including completely inconsequential stuff, my brain making me super worried about most of it
Or
B: trying with various degrees of success to distract myself away from doing A. This in turn often tends to make me forget things that I DO need to be aware of, such as appointments etc, worsening A.
It’s so fucking exhausting tbh 😮💨
Also, deliberately ignoring things you’re worrying about backfires when they do come to pass, because then you feel guilty for ignoring them and like you’re losing control.
At least it’s like that for me. Perhaps not for you, I hope so!
Yup. Happens less than it used to but still keeps happening. I hope it’ll become less frequent for you too, if not stop completely…
Thanks 😊 I’m in a period of high personal change so it just comes with the territory I guess. I’m glad it improved for you!
Thanks 😁🫶
I hope all the change stuff works out well too!
I guess the thing missing from the chart is “can you do something about it?” -> “do something” -> “don’t worry.” Worry is only useful in that it prompts us to go “this thing could be a problem” and take action to address it. If we can’t do anything about it (or aren’t deciding to do something) then devoting energy and thought cycles to worrying doesn’t benefit us.