Posted by Scott in Vermont on April 7, 2004, at 9:41:32
In reply to Obsessional Thinking: Can anyone relate?, posted by Civ on April 7, 2004, at 7:46:20
I've experienced the same thing (happy during good times, borderline obsessive during stress) and this became overwhelming about 6 months ago for specific due cause.
My reaction to adversity is to look to myself and attempt to find my own solutions. Here are some things that worked well for me when I was in "crisis management" mode:
I created and maintained a daily log for myself that I could go back on. It contains dates, times, and information pertinent to that day. I still update it daily, and it takes me about 5 minutes a day.
I created "do lists", a "weekly overview" and a detailed "daily do". Since I have started this, I have not missed an appointment, bill, or overextended my schedule.
I have created a chart that tracks all of my foodstuffs and other material items (such as toothpaste, light bulbs, etc). This way I have an accurate count of all things, can budget accordingly, and it takes the worrisome guesswork out of shopping. Additionally, I never run out of anything anymore.
The overall effect this has had is providing a peace of mind. Now when I "worry" about something, it is a legitimate and definite worry (such as I have $100 left and I have $130 in bills due). But even then, the solution is close at hand, because I know exactly how much I'm getting in my next paycheck and what I can and cannot float to another pay period.
I can only say that this worked for me. Everyone has different ways of coping. I could guess that tracking things may well become a worry in itself for you (such as, laying awake wondering if you missed something that should be on your list... I'm not making fun, I have done it myself) but for me, even though I did miss a few minor things, they fit in later and were not things that stopped me in my tracks. Having the list has helped me find a small measure of peace in a time of nearly untenable chaos.
I hope this gives you something to think about, if nothing else.
poster:Scott in Vermont
thread:333631
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040407/msgs/333665.html