Fibro-Warriors- How Do You Cope with Anxiety?

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Halloo,

My son’s birthday came a few days back. I couldn’t enjoy myself as I really wanted and planned to because of anxiety.

I woke up that day with bad chest pain brought on by worrying about the day and how I can make it a memorable day for him, I didn’t sleep properly.  I didn’t want to ruin it for him by being sick. I got so overwhelmed and end up confirming my nightmare.

I remembered standing, very tensed, in the kitchen with my heart racing, breathing rapidly, my thoughts racing around in my head that I just want to scream out loud and run as fast as I can from everything. I tried to tell myself to breathe and remember I was doing this for my little boy, but I couldn’t.

I badly wanted to cook as promised, but I was struggling badly.

It took me a while to calm down, I left the kitchen to read a book. I finally managed to cook, though I was panicked. I know it is hard to understand, but it is a reality of many people. I didn’t want to let myself and my son down, I desperately want my children to have a normal life, though my life may be falling apart but I don’t want it to affect their lives. So, I always try my best to give them moments that make them feel special. A great strain sometimes, but well worth it.

I planned and planned what I was going to do for the day in my head over and over again. Then I worried about chronic pain rearing its head and ruining the day for me. Even though it is just us, his immediate family, I still wanted to make it memorable for him. Then I started worrying about forgetting important things to do for the day. Those who deal with fibro-fog will understand where my fear is coming from.

Am I correct in saying most of the people living with Fibromyalgia also have anxiety? I think so anyway, all fellow fibro-warriors I have had the privilege of discussing with suffer from anxiety.

Anxiety is a mental health condition mostly caused by worrying. It is more common than most people realize.

Living with fibromyalgia is really hard, I am mostly in pain. But I have learned to live with chronic pain. Where anxiety comes in is worrying about getting things done. Most of the time I worry about how I am going to get things done, especially if there is a special occasion, like my son’s birthday or important activity, like fulfilling an order for my one of my customers.

I worry a lot which makes me overwhelmed most of the time.

I worry about my chronic pain getting worse, I worry when I make a promise to someone and something happened and I can’t fulfil it. I worry about forgetting important dates, occasions, or things. I worry about people’s expectation of me. I worry about my expectation of myself. I worry about getting through my day with all things that need to be done, done. I worry.

Most people can make and keep an appointment, no hassle. Not me! That appointment (social or otherwise) will lie heavily on me till it’s over.

Before you start telling me that worry solves nothing, that most of these things will happen whether I worry or not. I know, I know, I know. I just can’t help it, I have no control over it. Common sense dictates that whatever is worrying you, it is better to let it go, easier said than done.

I know that worry is really bad for my health, but I still create things to worry about, mentally. This is where anxiety comes in.

It is really hard to break the cycle of unhelpful thoughts. I try my best to do things that soothe my nerves so I can feel calm and able to cope with my daily life.

That is why I keep myself very busy. When you are busy, your mind is busy too.

I know I am not alone in this dilemma with Anxiety, so what are you doing to keep yourself as calm as possible?

I am trying self-care, mindfulness, using essential oils, listening to music, hot bath, massage with Shea Butter, and walking.

I know there are lots of coping strategies, please share with us.

Stay with me,

Ruka

About Post Author

Ruka

My name is Ruka. Born and bred in Nigeria. Now living in Ireland. I am a Woman, Feminist, Wife, Mother, Muslim, Black, and African. I am an Entrepreneur who also works in Finance Administration. I am a Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Warrior. I love writing and hope to make a name for myself doing it.

rukaganiyu5@gmail.com

https://www.rukasplace.com

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