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Posted 1/12/2013 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody:)

I have a couple of things that are threatening to kick my health anxiety up at the moment...

In a few minutes, we are attending a funeral of some friends at our church who lost their daughter unexpectedly this week.

It is to be an open casket, which I struggle with, not only because of anxiety, but because I was forced to view both my grandmother and father's open caskets at a fairly young age.

Our music group will be playing for the service, so I need to be there...as well as showing support for the family...but I know this is going to be hard.

My youngest daughter's friend is also sick...just diagnosed with lupus, and is in the hospital with some serious complications.  Visiting her and keeping up with her progress has also been rough.  It brings up a lot of fears for not only my own health anxiety...but of course for my own girls as well!

I am using all of the CBT skills I have, and am hanging in there...just needed to let this out, and get some encouragement.

I of course also have the guilt that I would even be affected by this...when my friend's families are suffering so!:(

Thanks for listening and understanding everyone.

S.C.

Posted 1/13/2013 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
S.C. -

I'm so sorry you are facing this right now. You are an incredibly strong person to have made it through what you have and to have the grace to now help others who are struggling with similar issues.

It's so difficult for those of us with anxiety. The world is such an uncertain place and it's really difficult to feel in control when things like this happen. Know that we here on the forums are thinking about you and cheering you on. Your CBT skills have helped in the past and will continue to help you through this difficult time.

Feeling guilt seems to tie in with anxiety. A therapist I went to awhile back told me to try to acknowledge the guilt and that it is there, and then let it go. Of course, that is a lot harder than it sounds.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Av
Posted 1/13/2013 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
SC, im am very sorry to hear of this misfortune... you are always here for me when im in need , so in return i will also be here for you!! but, i do know you are a strong person and yout CBT skills will get you through this rough time!!
much love, ANXIETY FREAK :)
Posted 1/13/2013 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
TY you guys!!

It was a lovely service...and our friends, the parents, got through it remarkably well.

Their daughter was only 35:(

I am glad that I went and was able to support them.

Tomorrow we will go and visit my daughter's friend in the hospital.

These two things are both very sad, and I very much want to be a good friend for both families and be there for them...in spite of my own phobias...death, sickness, hosptials...

Thank you again A.F. and Avrielle for you care and support. It means so much to me!:)

S.C.
Posted 1/15/2013 9:37 AM (GMT 0)
SC,

I cannot express how much I admire you for overcoming your own fears to help others.

You are a very special person.

Szm
Posted 1/15/2013 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
SZM...TY!!

I also admire your strength and ability to deal with the challenges that you have been faced with...they are nothing compared to mine...and I am pretty sure that you are super-woman in disguise!

S.C.
Posted 1/15/2013 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Your an extremely strong woman & though this is a very rough couple of things to face, you already proved your strength by even going to the funeral! You will get through this rough patch. I can't express my appreciation enough for your help to others & myself! Facing your phobias shows your strength, your not giving in to them :-)
Posted 1/15/2013 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
JPE...TY!!

I find that for me...if at all possible...getting outside of myself and phobias to be of support to someone else is just something that I have to do. After all, what my friends are dealing is so much worse than any anxiety that I could go through

Facing things is always a step in the right direction for me...even if it means a little heightened fear/anxiety.

Of course, I don't put myself in situations that are going to cause me to completely freak out. I certainly won't be vounteering at any trauma centers, infectious disease centers, morgues, ect...

Thanks again everyone for your encouragement...it really means a lot.:)

S.C.

p.s. it turned out to not be an open casket service...which made things much easier!

Posted 1/16/2013 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi SC,

I have been away from the forum a couple or days ago thus only saw your thread now. Am glad all went well and you were able to provide the support that you wanted to inspite of heightened anxiety.

Like what everyone has said, you have been so very helpful to everyone and returning the gesture in any form I can is the least I can do. Take care always!

GP
Posted 1/16/2013 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
TY G.P.!!

Hope all is well with you!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
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