the unknown

[cheshchesh819]

the mind when we are going through this anxiety is scary we think clots tumours stroke heart attack even death,but how many of us smoke and think nothing of that,cancer the biggest killer in the world yet i do it without a care in the world sad really,but this anxiety freaks me out at times,so what is worse smoking or anxiety,health wise smoking,mind wise anxiety,why? the unknown is scary and that is what anxiety does to us worry

[RubyWitch]

Really good points made by both of you. This would be good for a group discussion!
Greenlydia

[MMahon]

I see what you mean now.  I never had 'health anxiety' issues so I guess it's hard for me to understand.  Anxiety buried me and I didn't need to 'worry' about my health getting bad, it WAS bad. I wasn't worrried about dying from something, I wished I would die from something, hopefully not by my own hand, and I still do.  It wasn't the unknown that scared the heck out of me it was what was really happening that did.
I always described my 'thought process' from anxiety like a box of fireworks that someone threw a lit match into.   A million bursts at one time, but no one of any indepth consequence.
Just acting 'normal' took every ounce of commitment I could muster.
Yes anxiety can be different and yet still be nasty.
Thanks for the kind words and you be well too!

[cheshchesh819]

i know only too well that anxiety does more to us than worry,but all i was trying to say is that all the symptoms we have through anxiety are made worse by our thoughts worrying ones,it was just a statement in terms to say that with me i smokes and i dont think of the repercussions of that,but when my anxiety kicks in i think all sorts,i am working through this and have learnt to deal with alot of my issues which in turn have improved my anxiety issues,so i guess you could say i am figuring,i hope you health issues improve.

[mammo]

You make an excellent point in how our minds can overcome all else!
Anxiety is very harmful to our bodies, it constantly floods it with cortisol, increases our heart rate and BP, and this does catch up with one over time.  Add smoking to this and
you have an even more dangerous mix. This is why it's so very important to try thru therapy to find out why you are so anxious and deal with it.  You can also learn how to  cope so much better.  We all live with the unknown everyday, but obcessing over what "may be" is a waste of our time and life.  Your body will let you know if there is a problem, until then do everything to stay healthy, especially exercise which is great for anxiety.  Have yearly check-ups and if all is okay...accept it and live your life.  Don't abuse your body with alcohol. cigarettes, etc.  I do understand what you are saying, and you make an excellent point, now you must listen to your words of wisdom! :) Take care!

[MMahon]

Anxiety does far more then 'worry' to us my friend.  The long, and sometimes short, term effects of anxiety can be far more punishing to our bodies.  Add smoking to the mix and you'll die of something else more likely before cancer gets to you.   Treat anxiety and you may find it a lot easier to quit smoking, I did.  BUT I still have a lot of health problems anyway, so go figure!  :-)