[Cinnamon_Stick]

I have extreme anxiety. I have a very intense fear of the future. I am always thinking about what ifs and I have suicidal feelings because I want to avoid bad things from happening.

How do you cope with intense fear of the future and the unknown?

This is catastrophic thinking.

There are several coping strategies. Find a "Catastrophic Thinking Worksheet" to complete - there are many online. I find them very helpful in breaking down my thinking and building a strategy to combat it.

For a more immediate tool, many have mentioned the '5 Senses' coping strategy too. It is very calming. Look at or visualize items that represent the five senses. Imagine every detail. Imagine your breathing too.

Now for a longerterm solution do you have a therapist who is aware of the extent of this anxiety? In the meantime, you have great supporters here.

[*Laurie*]

rcat has some good suggestions. I also have anticipatory anxiety and it is HELL. Jon Kabat Zinn's book Full Catastrophe Living has helped me some because I really work hard to pay attention to my breathing, especially when I'm panicking about the what-ifs.