Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
My mom and I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She is 87 years old has many health problems. She has always been negative and anxious. I have managed to calm my GAD down. However, when I call my mom and hear her anxiety it triggers mine and I can't think straight. How do I stay calm and detached when I talk to her? Thanks.
Barbara
Barbara
You have to separate yourself and realize that her worries are hers. unless it affects her health or state of well being then they shouldn't be your problems. And if she starts worrying you can reassure her and change things to a positive subject. That's what helps me. My great grandma starts with the negativity and I just agree with what she says and I change the subject. Or like I said I reassure her. You have to take control in those situations because if not she gets ahold of the wheel and you're steering down anxiety lane.
It is your life after all and you do ultimately have control. I know that's super hard to remember especially with anxiety. But you have to outsmart your brain and talk yourself out of it.
Hope I helped :)
My mom is also about 87 and in a Retirement Home with a lifelong habit of seeing the gray cloud in every silver lining. Here's some things that help me.
Limiting my contact with her.
Pointing out what is good about a situation instead of what is bad.
Telling myself that I am not responsible for solving her problems.
Making a habit of being with people who are at least not negative if not OUTRIGHT POSITIVE.
If you are her caregiver, may I suggest attending a Caregiver Support Group? You can find them at many hospitals, mental health centers, counseling centers, retirement and nursing homes, Etc. I'd guess they are the fastest growing type of support group out there and a good way to learn new skills and be with folks going through what you are going through.
I hope this helps :)
AnxiousInLA