[Andropov]

I just had an epiphany that I must truly have an Anxiety Disorder.

I was contemplating the faith of our ever expanding universe. I then started to think about the speculated "Big Freeze" or "heat death" that will result in the end of the universe trillions of years from now.

Heat death of the universe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I actually got a minor anxiety attack while thinking about the impending death of the universe trillions of years from now.

I don't know if I should laugh or cry about this.

[Agentfyre]

Having a minor anxiety attack doesn't mean that you have an anxiety disorder. Remember: a disorder is something that interferes with your daily functioning.

The truth is, we all have minor anxiety attacks. We all have anxiety/stress, and not all stress is bad stress. It's only a disorder when it really gets in the way of your daily functioning.

The only time a disorder doesn't get in the way of daily functioning is with many personality disorders. For these, the symptoms don't get in the way of daily functioning because they feel so central to that person's life. Instead of interfering with daily function for these, the criteria usually focus more on social interactions with others.

Either way, don't feel that you have a disorder because of a one-time minor event. However, if you feel you're experiencing these attacks often or that worry is taking over your life, then it's time to seek professional help.

I hope this helps!

[Jolisse]

Anxiety can be managed, are you seeing a pdoc?

[Andropov]

Originally Posted by Agentfyre

However, if you feel you're experiencing these attacks often or that worry is taking over your life, then it's time to seek professional help.

I hope this helps!

Thank you for your feedback.

It's definitely not an one-time thing. I was just finding this one particular amusing. I have history of different behaviors that can be contributed to anxiety and impact my life negatively.

I have had problems with making phone calls. I either delay calling until the last minute or not calling at all if I can avoid it. I have many times travel considerable distances to meet face to face so I wouldn't have to make the phone call.

I have often missed the end of movies and TV-series because I get too uncomfortable with the prospect of a traumatic ending.

I rarely speak with my parents or siblings (maybe one a year or so) because the thought of talking to them makes me anxious. I just fear getting sucked into their problems.

I even got my anxiety level elevated by retaking the Sanity Score a few minutes ago. For each page, I could feel myself get more and more anxious until I was breathing quite heavily.

I also have the habit of immediately jumping to the worst conclusion.

There's more examples, but who's counting?

[Andropov]

Originally Posted by Jolisse

Anxiety can be managed, are you seeing a pdoc?

I have my first appointment next week. I have wanted to talk with somebody for years, but I have been too worried about any fallout.

[Agentfyre]

Yea, I would definitely suggest finding a therapist if you don't already have one. There's a reason you're jumping to the worst conclusion. With therapy, you can find those reasons as well as alternatives that will help you control how you look at conclusions, giving you the necessary control to do the things that you currently aren't able, such as making calls and speaking with siblings.

Something like this will take creating a positive support system, exploring what lies underneath envisioning the worst conclusions and resolving these, and conscious effort to change thinking. And of course you have support here!

[-jimi-]

Originally Posted by Andropov

I just had an epiphany that I must truly have an Anxiety Disorder.

I was contemplating the faith of our ever expanding universe. I then started to think about the speculated "Big Freeze" or "heat death" that will result in the end of the universe trillions of years from now.

Heat death of the universe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I actually got a minor anxiety attack while thinking about the impending death of the universe trillions of years from now.

I don't know if I should laugh or cry about this.

I have MAJOR panic over stuff like this. I mean why not? It is the dang universe! And it will die! How can I stay emotionless about that???

[Andropov]

Originally Posted by Agentfyre

Yea, I would definitely suggest finding a therapist if you don't already have one. There's a reason you're jumping to the worst conclusion. With therapy, you can find those reasons ...

Well, now I know why I'm "jumping to the worst conclusion".

The verdict is as follows:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Anxiety Disorder NOS
Sensory Processing Disorder
Executive Functioning Deficit
Depression
Insomnia