One big one for me is driving. When I know I have to drive, I think of it all day and all the things that could possibly go wrong. What if I run a red light or stop sign? What if I hit another car when I merge (because I suck at it)? What if this, what if that? It's very annoying and distracting, but I can't help it.

I also have school anxiety. It's not that I don't like school now, but I HATED school as a kid, and I still feel that anxiety. I would rather stay home all day rather than go to school.

And I still have separation anxiety. At least with my mom. I always feel much better when she is with me, and sometimes I get very sad when she is gone, even if it is not very far. I used to cry at school for her

Two things have the potential for causing anxiety for me:
1) Fear of getting hurt (also applies to a loved one)
2) Fear of not performing well (at work, etc.)

However, over the years, I have learned that most...if not all...fear is unrealistic.

A good acronym to think about is this:

FEAR
F False
E Emotions
A Appearing
R Real


Another "falsehood" and one that causes tremendous needless hardship for people is perfectionism. No one is perfect. Period. So, if we "fall short," that is fine. We should each try our best, but understand that it is impossible to be 100% all the time.

I do understand your separation difficulties. A possible way around this is to substitute friends for your mom on some days. OR call your mother on others instead of actually trying to be physically with her. Try seeing her less and less; perhaps making arrangements to visit with her periodically (perhaps once a week or whatever appropriately fits into your schedule). Use "baby steps," as you venture out in a more independent fashion.

Every day, concentrate on your attributes; what you can control and are controlling and take steps to move forward in a happy and productive (even powerful) way.

I hadn't heard the FEAR acronym for awhile.

Thanks, I needed that today!

This is a really good post. Thanks for sharing.

driving, disruptions (in planned actions), not being able to hold up to a standard/time frame/etc

thinking about triggers make me anxious

Wow!!!!!!!!!

I know that came from your heart.

going to the salon makes me anxious bec. i had a panic attack there once.i get anxious when im in pain but im working on it.and i dont get anxious as much now...i think facing our fears weakens panic attacks....

Feeling faint, trying to sleep at night when my GERD keeps my up making me think it's my heart when it's really not.