Posted by Xerhid on June 07, 2006 at 22:47:13:

In Reply to: "Worst that can happen" philosophy posted by Janet on June 07, 2006 at 08:36:52:

Hey Janet,

You're absolutely not alone. When I am in the "trenches" of having a bad night, my cognition is all screwed up and the "What's the worst..." doesn't work well for me either.

I see the philosophy more as a pre-emptive one. It probably won't work too well if you've gotten yourself all wound up already. However, I find it effective if you keep focused on it while your cognition is rational (e.g., during the day). It seems to fight well against the stupid, creeping, irrational thoughts.

Janet, I really feel for you because your worst fears actually came true, AS A RESULT of fearing your worst fear coming true. I think that is ultimately my biggest fear about my primary insomnia. I realize it's totally irrational to worry about something that is ONLY a worry because I worry about it. (I mean, could we be any more ridiculous?) So yeah...I think you have it really difficult because something bad did actually happen, although caused solely by your own anxiety.

As others have posted, it's best to your mind busy, so that you don't obsess over it. It's also good to have a list of rational thoughts handy when you feel yourself starting to obsess.

Follow Ups:

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