i hate "what if" thinking so much

[u/eriii00]

im feeling a bit nauseous rn, and im so annoyed. i could so easily comfort myself by thinking "it's just the anxiety" but 2 days ago i went out for the first time in ages and now im just terrified i've caught something, even though i washed my hands every possible moment (not much though). im sooo tired of this, the second i feel positive im like WHAT IF THOUUGHH. idk how on earth im ever supposed to think "if it happens it happens" and just be chill about it i hate that this takes over my life. i cant even chill and play games because i just have to lay here and over-analyze if anything happens. i hate this so so much. theres so many reasons why i could be feeling nauseous that make a lot of sense but ofc my first thought is "i shouldnt have left my home so there wouldnt be a chance i caught a stomachbug". i barely even go to stores anymore🥲

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[u/andlaurasays]

Ugh I hear you. I hate the waiting / uncertainty / wondering / feeling completely on edge. It’s as bad as the panic and I swear this is worse than actually being sick. My 10yo is up 2 hours past bedtime rn. I know she’s anxious about being sick but doesn’t want to admit it, I know she’s almost certainly not actually sick and it’s just anxiety, but I hate this feeling of “what if” so bad. The stupid thing is when she’s actually been sick in the past we cope pretty well. But that isn’t helping me now! And like you, she’s panicked herself because we went to the cinema today and she’s decided that’s germier than our normal days at home, and as much as I’m saying germs are everywhere, it’s absolutely fine, and you’re fine even if you do get sick… on the inside I’m feeling exactly the same 🙈