Lighten Up...

I started seeing a counsellor today, because I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder. She told me that I am a superwoman and dont even know it, and I am way too hard on myself...

How do I learn to lighten up, stop overthinking and ease up on myself??

Good on you for getting yourself to a counsellor. What are the things that you are hard on yourself about? It might help to write down your expectations, the things you berate yourself for. If you see them on paper you might realise how unrealistic they are..?

Hi Connie :) Maybe apply to become a member of Bellybelly's anxiety support group? Lots of great advice there that relates more specifically to your issue. You'll find it in the Private Support section of the forums.

i feel those type of comments from a counsellor are so unproductive.. it makes you feel like there is even more of a problem to what you originally went in for.
a good counsellor would be helping you with your feelings and emotions not giving you a complex that you need to lighten up

I have to agree Oorki, didn't she give you something to start with? Ways to lighten up. Jeeeze!

I hope you find some ways to chill hun xoxoox

Oh the superwoman tag... yeah, I've had that one thrown at me before. very helpful, NOT.

One thing I found helpful as to try & put a bit of perspective on things. Is what I am worrying about going to matter in 6 mths, a year, 5 years etc.
In my case the answer was yes, - BUT, I was fixating on worst case scenarios, not realistic ones. I went on meds for about 6 mths & once I started feeling better, that kind of enabled me to put it in perspective by myself IYKWIM?
I also tried to take control as much as possible. For example , I was worried about illness, so I adjusted my diet & environment & what chemicals etc I was bringing into the house. It helped a bit :dunno:
what is it that you are stewing on?

If this counsellor is not helpful are you able to see another?

heys hun,

it's only your first visit, and she'll give you the tools you need to achieve this. At the moment she's still getting to know you, there's a bit of "discovery" happening. The main thing is not to look too deeply into her comments at this time and to maybe get a list of stuff to ask her next time. :hug: we're here for you.

Thank you everyone for your comments...

Kazbah you're absolutely right (again :)), overanalysing and overthinking is what got me here in the first place. All that matters is that I felt better after chatting with her.

I just need to keep telling myself - Dont sweat the small stuff!!

Congratulations on seeing a counsellor. In the past few months I have finally come to the realisation that I think I suffer from anxiety, your fairly normal stuff I completely over analyse everything, I'm yet to get the courage to see someone so I take my hat of to you for taking the first step.

Good luck with your next appointment and I'm sure things will come clearer with time.

Megs, trust me... I know how hard it is to take the first step, but I highly recommend it. Even if they don't solve all your problems right away, just having someone impartial who doesn't judge or know you to spill your guts to can be sooo helpful.

I hadn't let myself cry since the birth of our baby, and just being able to cry in a 'safe' place was fantastic!

I find that getting grounded and 'back in my body' gets me out of my overactive brain :)
Yoga and breathing exercises work best for me, I feel calmer and more in the present when I do these regularly. If I really seriously need to get something out I write it all down instead. Just let it all spill on to the paper and see if it clarifies anything for me... then let it go.

Probably good to give the counsellor a chance as Kazbah suggested too. Great that you are going - anxiety can be so draining!
OH just realised last post on this was in August!! You can tell I haven't been on this forum before :) Hope it went well for you anyway Connie (and congrats on your BFP!!!!).