$Unique_ID{BRK02142}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Dealing with Worry}
$Subject{worry anxiety thinking thoughts}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Dealing with Worry


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QUESTION:  I am what my mother used to call a "worry wart", and have been for
as long as I can remember.  I read all I can get my hands on about this
problem, and have tried to put these thoughts aside when they get too strong,
but that doesn't seem to work.  I just seem to worry more.  Can you help me?
You must have some tips about such an important problem and I would appreciate
any help you can provide. Thank you.

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ANSWER:  When times are troubled, you may have many legitimate reasons for
concern.  Job security, family problems, personal health are all real reasons
for worry, and can demand your attention.  It's hard to ignore when something
of importance is not running smoothly in your life, and simply telling
yourself not to worry may not be the most logical thing to do.  The trouble
with most people who worry a great deal over even the smallest situation is
that worry is all they do.  There is no action plan developed from all those
hours of thinking the problem through, and so no solution is ever found.  The
thoughts keep running around in your brain with no place to go.  The first tip
I can offer is to focus on the worry rather than trying to stow it some place
in the attic of your mind.  It's all right to think about it if you are going
to concentrate in a meaningful way.  Let it out, by writing it down or even
dictate it into a tape recorder, putting the problem out in the open where you
can start to work on it.  Then analyze it.  What's really bothering you, is it
a serious situation or something simple?  Does it really matter in the long
run or is it something that just may pass by itself?  Carefully defining the
nature of the problem may cut it down to size, one which you can tackle and
win.  Now look for possible solutions.  Put down all the possibilities on
paper, where you have a chance to reread them and evaluate them, choosing the
best course of action from all the potentials.  Then try discussing your
problem with friends and family.  They may be able to provide another point of
view, one which makes your solution even more effective.  Once you have
developed your course of action, you will find the worrisome thought is not as
demanding as it once was, and you will be able to put it aside, providing you
have acted on your decisions.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.