[darkfeary]

Here I am again with the constant fear of and obsessive relentless thoughts of aging and dying.
I have gone through this for the last 20 years. I worked so hard the last 20 years and I got better for a while but this is the worst now. I am 47 and I hate it. I dread older age and illness and dying. I have impending doom constantly too. I have no idea how to help myself. I know it is pointless to obsess about aging and dying and I just want to enjoy that present time but these thoughts and fears just will not go away. I wish they would. I am trying so hard. I just went through an expensive 30 hour intensive trauma therapy with a counselor but it did not help at all. Distractions, meditations, exercise, medications all do not work either. I have no clue what to do. I cannot even function in basic stuff too. Has anyone been through this or can offer some solution? Thank you.

[*Beth*]

I am so sorry.

Yes, I have most definitely been plagued with thoughts of doom, illness, death. Not only myself, but my pets and other loved ones. Obsessive, relentless thoughts.

I have bipolar disorder, so I'm on plenty of meds. The antipsychotic I'm on does help a bit with the thoughts. I'm working with my therapist on "being in the moment." I will say that while it takes commitment and very hard work, I am experiencing a measure of relief. The relief is tenuous, though...it feels like it could topple if pushed too hard. But, I don't know what else to do except keep trying.

Intrusive thoughts are so very difficult to alleviate. And what are they but anxiety...I try to keep my focus on treating the anxiety, rather than treating the thoughts themselves. Somehow that can be helpful.

[Marie123]

I am 74, and can't believe it! I try to live my life with happiness and joy. Unfortuatelly, we all die, but in the meantime we can decide to live our lives in the way we want to. I know that probably wont help, but that is how I feel about living! If we spend our lives worrying, we won't have had a life. xo

[Albertina Geller]

Try to control it and accept that death is natural and everyone will die one day. Try reading some books on self-help guides about death.

[Marie123]

Something to try--every time you hear those intrusive thoughts......put a STOP sign in your head/mind, and visualize a STOP sign.... keep doing it over and over; it might help or work. Hypnotism is a good idea, also.

[Teddy Bear]

The fear of death has made me read religious material. I also spent time volunteering. I feel as though I prepared for death.

[Zipper dog]

Beth123, I agree with you. Fear is such a paralyzing factor. Took me about 60 years to understand that I have no control and that the end of the road is death. If you haven't enjoyed the journey, turn around. Worry is not constructive. I don't watch the news because I can't do anything about it. I spend every moment being grateful that I'm still alive. I used to be scared of everything. Sure, sometimes it comes back. Pushing through it makes me feel so good. Like yay! Hugs to everyone!