this is so dumb but im getting major anxiety over it. please help!

[erin626]

I just moved into my new apartment and it has beautiful old hardwood floors. Its all hardwood, except for tiling in the kitchen and bathroom. But, for some reason I can't get comfortable and keep feeling anxious and want carpeting in my home. I'm planning on getting some area rugs in the next couple weeks but why is hardwood flooring causing me anxiety?? This is insane. I've lived in an apartment with all hardwood floors about 4 years ago and was fine and comfortable, but I also wasn't having anxiety problems. I can't even explain what this anxiety is about at all. I feel so stupid but I honestly would just feel so much better if I had carpeting. Maybe I will feel better once I'm completely settled in? I still have boxes and things everywhere because I just moved in on thursday.

[JGF25]

Hi Erin...I'm sorry that these "new adventures" are turning out to be anything but wonderful and instead "new adventures in anxiety."  

It does appear to me that you are not a medication person.  Having said that, have you read any of the books that people recommend on this site?  The Weekes books or Joseph Luciani's books?  I really think you could benefit from this type of reading and coaching.  

Saying that you are going to be optimistic is harder than reading a book and actually learning the tools to be optimistic.  I think you would have better success if you had expert help. i.e., the books.  

Take care....

[nursegirl6572]

I'm 39 and miss being home with my parents sometime.  It's never easy to "grow up".  I try telling my kids that, but they don't buy it...lol.

[erin626]

Thanks! I may try to be excited to work on the place instead of stressed which I've been. And yes, the hardwood have that cold/empty feeling. I guess I didn't feel that at the other place because I moved in it was furnished, decorated, lived in etc and was cozy. I'm going to do my best to be optimistic about everything to try and stop this anxiety in its tracks.

Also, I feel pathetic saying this but even though my mom had her crazy moments when she drank too much, I'm really missing the comfort of being at home with her. I feel like I'm too old for that. I'm 26 and I miss being at home with my mom? But it really did help comfort me when I was feeling anxious.

[nursegirl6572]

I agree...you have to make it a bit homey and then you'll feel better.  You have to adjust to any new situation, even a positive one.  People with anxiety are very hard on themselves on what they think SHOULD cause them anxiety and what they think should NOT.  The reality is, any situation has the potential to cause anxiety, and we have to learn how to be okay with that.

Congrats on the new place....try to get excited about sprucing it up and making it "yours"!

[mammo]

I think once you are settled in, you will feel better.  Hardwood floors can make a place feel even more empty and cold, especially when we're used to the soft, warm feeling of carpeting.  Get some area rugs as soon as you can, this will make it homier and more comfortable for you.  Best wishes!