We spend a lot of time thinking and a lot of time worrying. Each new symptom leaves us wondering if we are getting worse. We do this sort of body scan, where we are constantly on the alert for something else going wrong. Then we worry. We worry about now. We worry about the future. The “worry tape” loops continuously…what if…could it be…it’s worse…there’s no hope…how will I ever…etc.
We feel like we’re going out of our minds. The problem is not that we are going out of our minds; it’s that we are stuck up there. We are living inside our own heads. The solution is to get out of your mind and back into the here and now, the real world. Easier said than done, you say! The first step is awareness. Observe that chatter going on inside your head. The second step is to stop the tape. Read a book, watch a funny movie, call a friend and talk about anything BUT your illness, eat something and really observe the taste and texture. Distract yourself. The third step is to replace the tape. Write down positive substitutes for the negative things you have been telling yourself. Tape them to your mirror and around your home. I am glad to be alive. I am lovable. I am a proactive patient. Whatever works for you. Or try this; put a little adhesive dot on your watch or clock. When you check the time, the dot is a reminder to repeat one of your positive statements.
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