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After watching the story on the news, are you worried that you might become a germaphobe, suffering from hand-washing syndrome?

anxiety disorder sleep fear medication obsession with sleep cleanliness obsession
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After watching the story on the news, are you worried that you might become a germaphobe, suffering from hand-washing syndrome? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I have anxiety disorder and am currently taking medication. I have always been afraid of sleeping, always afraid that not sleeping well will bring physical and psychological discomfort. I just can't accept my obsession with sleep. My family and friends have tried to persuade me, but I just can't. In fact, I know this myself, but I'm just afraid. One day, while watching the news, I discovered that someone with anxiety disorder had posted their own story, saying that they had anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cleanliness obsession, and that they had to wash their hands many times a day, until their hands were worn out. Suddenly, they felt nervous and panicked inside, afraid that they would also become obsessed with cleanliness and afraid that they would lose control and wash their hands again and again. In fact, they are a very messy person who is not at all clean. I am seeking an answer from someone who is kind enough to help me. I am currently very troubled.

Avery Cook Avery Cook A total of 9958 people have been helped

Hello, I'm Xin Tan, Coach Fly Free.

I understand your feelings. In today's fast-paced, introverted, and troubled world, it's normal to feel anxious. We need a space to release our stress, give you a warm hug, and share and explore together.

Let's start by understanding anxiety.

Anxiety is just another one of our emotions. It's the same as joy, happiness, anger, sadness, and fear. If we can accept one, we can accept the others.

Emotions also play a protective role. Take anger, for example. It can protect our sense of boundaries from being violated.

Anxiety is another example. It keeps us on our toes and prevents carelessness. The students before the college entrance exam are all anxious to some extent. This state of mind helps them pay more attention to the college entrance exam.

Just like us in the face of the upgraded epidemic prevention and control, maintaining a certain degree of anxiety is the best way to ensure we pay more attention to the health of ourselves and our families, thereby reducing the "positive" rate.

We often make the mistake of thinking that all emotions are bad. This leads to feelings of disgust and fear. What we don't realize is that suppressing these emotions only makes them worse.

It's simple: the more you worry about not sleeping well, the more likely it is that you won't sleep well. And the more you don't sleep well, the more it affects your physical and mental health, and the more fear you feel. This is a vicious circle.

Your worries and fears attract even greater worries and fears. For example, if you read about a patient with anxiety disorder telling their story on the news, it will raise new fears in you, and at the same time, a new vicious cycle will begin.

Look at the news from a different perspective. People with anxiety disorders can use this method to "alleviate" their anxiety. By "voicing" your worries and fears, you can reduce the fear by half.

The news quoted his story to educate people with anxiety disorders about anxiety and help everyone overcome it together.

Anxiety is imagined by the brain and is not something that actually happens. As Chairman Mao taught us, "All difficulties are paper tigers."

2. Make friends with anxiety.

Emotions are our friends, and they always come with us. Because deep emotions are hidden by the subconscious, they will be reactivated whenever a similar situation arises.

You must be brave enough to overcome this fear and face it. Otherwise, it will keep activating and making you feel a profound sense of fear.

Emotions are our friends. They cannot harm us; they are simply a way of communicating very important information to us. For example, anxiety is caused by a lack of security.

When you perceive the emotion and the unmet need behind it, you've already taken the first step towards change. The emotion has fulfilled its function as a messenger, and you've received the message it was trying to convey. You now have new options.

I'm going to share a few ways to deal with anxiety.

1) The journal method: At a fixed time every day, record your anxieties for the day. Don't think, just write. What are you anxious about? How long does it last? What message do you perceive behind the anxiety?

2) Turn anxiety into anger: speak your fears. If this fear really happens, you can handle it. What is the worst that can happen? What can you do in the present moment to prevent this from happening?

3) Meditation: Cultivate your ability to be aware. Ten or more minutes at a time is all you need to get in touch with yourself and perceive your emotions.

I am confident that the above will be helpful to you, and I love you.

If you want to continue the conversation, click "Find a Coach" in the lower right corner to chat.

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Athena Shaw Athena Shaw A total of 4412 people have been helped

Good day, I am writing to address your concerns.

After reviewing your account, it is evident that you have a strong desire for love and acceptance. Whether it is self-love or love for others, you are eager to receive it but may be hesitant to ask for it directly.

I am aware that my response does not directly align with your inquiry, and it is merely a conjecture on my part.

You have indicated that you are currently taking medication for anxiety. I am unclear as to the severity of your anxiety, whether you are taking the medication as prescribed, and whether you are receiving counseling as part of your treatment. You have stated that you are constantly afraid to sleep. I am unsure what this means. Could you please elaborate on what you are afraid of when you sleep?

Is the concern that inadequate sleep will have a negative impact on your physical and mental well-being, or is it simply the fear of falling asleep? Take a moment to reflect on the importance of sleep by taking a few deep breaths and engaging in a conversation with yourself. Ask yourself what sleep means to you.

Please describe the aspect of sleep that causes you the greatest concern.

We ask this question because we believe that only if we have a clear understanding of the root cause of our anxiety and fear can we effectively find a solution to relieve it.

Similarly, you can also expand this question to inquire about other factors that evoke similar feelings of fear and anxiety, beyond sleep. Anything that has the potential to trigger physical or mental health issues will elicit these same feelings.

We investigate these questions to determine whether our anxiety is triggered by our core beliefs or by specific, individual factors. The subsequent course of treatment will be tailored accordingly.

Based on your subsequent description, I have formulated a hypothesis. You attach great importance to your health. I suggest you recall when you first started to experience similar situations. Was there anything going on with your family or relatives at the time? When we encounter relatively big shocks, if the panic and anxiety we feel at the time are not seen and dealt with in time, these emotions may be suppressed into the unconscious, and then continuously released through our words and deeds, waiting to be discovered and dealt with again.

It may be helpful to maintain a written record of these issues. The act of writing can provide a degree of emotional distance, allowing for the identification of previously unnoticed signals.

When faced with intense emotions, it is helpful to take a moment to process and gain perspective. One effective method is to write or speak to yourself. The following steps can be employed:

1. I observed that

2. I observed that I was experiencing these emotions at the time.

3. I observed the following thoughts passing through my mind:

4. I also observed that my body exhibited these reactions at the time.

5. I will refer to these feelings and experiences from the mind and body as "X."

This will allow me to recognize it more quickly the next time it arises.

6. It is important to remember that these internal experiences are a normal reaction of the brain and body to events.

Such occurrences are to be expected and will naturally subside.

We would like to express our gratitude to our brain and body for providing us with all this information and these experiences.

Allow them to remain for a brief additional period with an accepting attitude. Then, resume your focus on the present.

Please do not be discouraged if you do not perform well. You have the right to love and care for yourself at all times, should you so desire.

Additionally, you may wish to consider accumulating positive resources and continuously improving your sense of happiness. One approach to this could be to record every day three good things, a happiness list, and a list of achievements. You may choose to write them down or tell yourself out loud. Alternatively, you may prefer not to do this, to follow your state, and not treat them as tasks, which could become a new source of anxiety.

Mark Williams, the founder of mindfulness cognitive therapy, suggests treating yourself with patience, compassion, an open mind, and gentle persistence, in a manner similar to how one would water a plant.

It is important to recognize that stress and emotions are both indispensable and important parts of life's experiences. Rather than attempting to completely eliminate them, it is more beneficial to learn to live with them.

We recommend the following titles: "A Life Full of Misfortunes" by Qiao Ba Jin; "The Happiness Trap" by Ross Harris; "Writing Life" by Adam Jackson; and "Self-Esteem" by Matthew McKay. You can find the most suitable book for you by consulting the list provided.

In conclusion, I encourage us to develop the resilience to confront negative emotions.

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Isabella Baker Isabella Baker A total of 3494 people have been helped

Hello Wu Jian, I'm Zeyu, and I'm so excited to be here with you!

"After watching the news story, I'm excited to embrace a newfound sense of cleanliness and healthy habits!" Let's conquer the current obsessive repetition of anxiety and worries.

First, we can use reality testing to see what is really going on in reality and find evidence that I am not that kind of person, which is a great way to gain perspective!

When we are in a state of anxiety, we have the amazing ability to selectively ignore evidence that does not "fit the description" and only see what we want to see. This is like wearing tinted glasses, where we only see the color of the lenses and ignore the many more colors. The "discrepant" evidence in reality is actually the conditions that can prove that you are not a "clean freak" or "compulsive hand-washing disorder." When we are deeply immersed in anxiety and fear, we have the incredible opportunity to crave more anxiety and fear, so we will only fit the bill for those conditions that seem to match the symptoms.

You're worried that you'll become a "clean freak" and wash your hands many times a day, as if this is proof that you're just that person, a "clean freak." You talk about yourself and you know exactly what is happening, but you are just afraid. If the scenario that is happening right now is what you fear the most, what would you do to change the situation?

You said you are taking medication for anxiety. In addition to medication, we also have the option of psychological counseling to complement treatment and fundamentally improve the current problem. If you don't feel like counseling is right for you at the moment, no problem! We can try mindfulness breathing exercises to reduce anxiety, combined with body relaxation exercises to further reduce our anxiety levels and improve sleep quality.

In addition, we can try something really fun! We can temporarily let go of judging the matter by distracting our attention. Watching movies, listening to music, doing housework, etc., or other things that bring you a sense of value and gain, as long as whatever you do can divert your attention and focus on the current matter, it will be fine.

If you feel that none of the methods mentioned so far can help you and you are still anxious, don't worry! You can always see a psychologist or therapist for appropriate help.

I'm really hopeful that the original poster will get back on track soon and start a new chapter!

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Abigail Abigail A total of 15 people have been helped

Good morning,

Dealing with fear is a challenging task. It can become a deeply ingrained emotion, influencing our actions to the extent that it controls our behavior. This can manifest as a tendency to fixate on concerns that cause unease, leading to a paranoid state. Additionally, the anxiety caused by fear can intensify existing feelings of insecurity, further exacerbating the fear response.

If you are aware that you are experiencing a situation that evokes fear, you can first remind yourself not to panic and to avoid hastily taking action that might exacerbate your anxiety. You can reassure yourself that your tolerance is still intact and that you are capable of handling a certain level of worry, which will help to calm your emotions and reduce the likelihood of developing anxiety.

If this is challenging, it may be helpful to reflect on a time when you were concerned about a situation but it did not have a negative outcome. This can help you to relax your overly tense mind and emotions. If possible, practise more exercises like this to increase your confidence in your psychological resilience and thus your ability to calm yourself down.

Additionally, consider potential solutions to the concerns you have identified. For instance, if you observe that others are anxious about handwashing causing damage to their hands, you can envision using gloves to prevent harm or avoiding contact with the source of the issue to eliminate the need for handwashing.

I believe this to be the case.

There is always a solution to every problem. If the initial plan of action is unsuccessful, it may be worth exploring an alternative approach.

If that approach is unsuccessful, encourage yourself to consider an alternative solution. It is important to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of a situation and instead focus on identifying as many potential solutions as possible.

If a proposed solution is unsuccessful, do not be discouraged and continue to explore other options. During this process, encourage creativity.

To summarize, in order to effectively manage fear, it is essential to first calm one's emotions and secondly, to shift one's attention away from the fear by exploring solutions. This can help to reduce feelings of being trapped and potentially foster a more positive mindset when facing challenging situations.

It is challenging for individuals to alter their own behaviors and processes. Implementing new procedures often requires time and effort. However, it is crucial to have confidence in your abilities. The individual who knows you best is, in fact, yourself. Regardless of whether you intend to change or not, it is your responsibility to work diligently to make it happen.

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Ariana Pearl Warner Ariana Pearl Warner A total of 9976 people have been helped

Good day, question asker. My name is Evan.

From the questioner's own account, it can be inferred that the questioner has an anxiety disorder. When encountering individuals with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders, the questioner also expresses concern that they may develop similar symptoms. Is this a valid assumption?

Firstly, it is essential to comprehend the etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD can be conceptualized as an anxiety disorder, characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions. The obsessions are defined as unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images, whereas the compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to these obsessions. In the context of OCD, the fear of illness can be understood as a subconscious motivation for engaging in these behaviors. This is because individuals with OCD often perceive themselves to be vulnerable in the event of illness. Consequently, they may develop the habit of washing their hands as a means of reducing their perceived risk of contamination and infection. It is important to note that while OCD patients may experience distress due to the anticipation of illness, they are not necessarily concerned about the act of getting sick itself. Rather, they may have an underlying fear that if they cannot control certain situations or circumstances, they will easily find themselves in a negative or unfavorable situation. This underlying fear may manifest as a compulsion to engage in repetitive behaviors that serve as a means of reassuring the individual that they are in control of their environment and circumstances.

It is evident that if these negative thoughts are repeatedly experienced, they can have a detrimental impact on the individual's daily life. It is therefore crucial to learn how to regulate one's thoughts. One potential approach is to set goals that align with one's thoughts and promote a sense of contentment and satisfaction. By achieving this level of contentment, one can then shift their focus away from the thoughts that cause distress.

The questioner indicated that they were preoccupied with the concern that they might also develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is a common phenomenon among individuals with anxiety disorders, as they often harbor apprehensions about developing specific diseases or symptoms. From my perspective, the fundamental rationale behind anxiety and obsession is fear, specifically the fear that inadequate action might result in adverse consequences.

The questioner consistently experiences involuntary obsessive thoughts and exhibits apprehension about potential symptoms. These observations suggest a lack of security and self-confidence. The questioner has also disclosed a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, which may contribute to the difficulty in regulating his thoughts. Consequently, I have identified a challenge for the questioner.

As the question was posed on an online forum, it is not possible to provide a detailed response. However, some basic guidance can be offered on how to regulate one's thoughts.

It is advisable to avoid ruminative thinking.

On occasion, the questioner may be affected by certain similar symptoms involuntarily and find themselves repeatedly thinking about other people's illnesses. In such instances, it may be helpful to employ certain techniques to assist in controlling one's thoughts and regaining a sense of perspective. One such technique is to consider the worst-case scenario.

This approach may appear paradoxical, as it seems to reinforce the "rumination" mentality. However, when the questioner contemplates the worst-case scenario, they will naturally consider their ability to cope with such circumstances and envision a scenario where they are in complete control. This can mitigate concerns to a certain extent.

It is advisable to set aside a designated period for contemplation. Allocating a specific interval for reflection on a given problem ensures that one can concentrate fully on the task at hand, and that one does not allow one's mind to wander during the remainder of the day.

It is recommended that the individual engage in outdoor activities such as walking, which can serve as an effective method for alleviating distress.

Furthermore, aerobic exercise has been demonstrated to facilitate relaxation. During exercise, individuals receive new information in the form of sights, sounds, and smells, which can lead to a shift in attention away from distressing thoughts.

It is important to ascertain the nature of the distressing negative thoughts.

What causes the questioner to experience negative thoughts and to worry that he will also develop obsessive-compulsive disorder? Some negative thoughts arise spontaneously, while others are more difficult to identify.

It is recommended that any negative emotions that arise be recorded in a few words. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the questioner's negative emotions, it is essential to ascertain what causes them. For example, the questioner may regard some very individual cases as universal, or may believe that they will also develop OCD, which is not necessarily the case.

It is important to note that these negative thoughts represent common cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization, jumping to conclusions, and being overly extreme in one's thinking.

The individual in question will develop a kind of obsessive thinking, whereby they attempt to force themselves to do certain things that others believe to be correct. When such thoughts arise, it is possible to distract oneself and redirect one's attention in a more constructive manner.

It is inadvisable to attempt to combat or suppress the negative thoughts that arise. Doing so may exacerbate their intensity. Instead, it is more beneficial to promptly engage in an alternative activity that will distract oneself from the negative thoughts.

One may consider engaging in activities that necessitate the use of both hands and feet, such as playing a musical instrument or participating in a sport like basketball.

One must endeavor to cease the proliferation of negative thoughts.

Once the source of negative thoughts is identified, it is possible to overcome them. For instance, if an individual is experiencing a negative outlook upon waking, it is possible to challenge this by acknowledging the thought and replacing it with a more positive affirmation. This could be expressed as, "Although it may feel unpleasant at the outset of the day, it will improve." By adopting this approach, it is possible to maintain a positive mindset.

In the event of encountering negative thoughts, it is advisable to refrain from dwelling on them or verbalizing them. Instead, it is recommended to engage in the practice of articulating a positive affirmation. With continued repetition, this approach will become a natural habit, leading to a transformation in one's mindset.

It is important to pay attention to the wording used.

Does the questioner employ rhetoric that suggests a definitive, absolute stance, such as "everyone else is right" or "what if I have this condition too"? This kind of decisive wording often exaggerates and leaves no room for interpretation.

The question's wording encompasses both verbal and mental conversations with oneself and others. It is crucial to recognize that a given symptom may manifest in diverse ways across individuals. Not all individuals with anxiety disorders will develop obsessive-compulsive disorders.

It is important to avoid applying the symptoms of others to oneself. Instead, one should base their decisions on their own behavior. As the original poster stated, the probability of being forced to wash their hands is low, given that they are untidy and do not prioritize personal hygiene.

One should endeavor to approach each day with a positive outlook.

It is recommended that each day begin with a positive attitude. To facilitate this, it is advised to identify five positive aspects of the day's potential to begin with.

Such positive occurrences may be relatively minor events, such as listening to a pleasant melody, viewing an engaging film, experiencing a pleasant aroma, or purchasing desired items. It is beneficial to reflect on these positive experiences and verbalize them to oneself at the start of each day, thereby establishing a positive outlook for the day ahead.

A positive mindset is the foundation of beginning a new day and will impede the establishment of negative emotions. The questioner may feel self-conscious about verbalizing positive statements, but research has demonstrated that verbalizing positive statements can enhance the conviction of the statements themselves.

Such an approach will lead to an increase in happiness and focus, while also preventing the proliferation of negative thoughts.

It is recommended that you seek external assistance.

From the questioner's own account, it can be reasonably inferred that the questioner's anxiety disorder is still under medication. In order to avoid deterioration, it is important to actively follow the arrangements of the psychologist. Should any questions arise, the questioner is encouraged to inquire with their psychologist about the most appropriate course of action. In addition to seeking help from a psychologist, the questioner may also consider seeking professional psychological counseling for psychological intervention.

It is recommended that you describe your negative emotions to these professionals. You are encouraged to be as open and honest as possible, as these interventions are confidential. Please provide a clear and detailed account of how your thoughts have affected you, how these emotions typically manifest, and how you respond to them.

Should the need arise, it is recommended that communication with these professionals be maintained until such time as the negative emotions in question no longer affect the questioner.

It is my hope that this response will prove beneficial to the questioner.

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Lucianne Lucianne A total of 5770 people have been helped

Hello,

You seem to have obsessive-compulsive anxiety. This is mainly a fear of not getting enough rest. I understand how you feel.

Everyone has anxiety about the future. We are afraid that we will not get enough rest. This shows that we value rest and sleep. Our negative thoughts about this are also very strong. As for what you said, compulsive hand-washing is also a kind of compulsive behavior. It is mainly caused by the fear of contracting a certain bacteria or disease.

Everyone gets anxious, but if we dwell on the future or let negative thoughts take over, we can develop obsessive thoughts.

How to solve it:

[1] Know the difference between your thoughts and the facts.

Sometimes we can't control our anxiety because our thoughts control us. If we think about it, we're also afraid that something will happen. What are the chances of that happening? For example, you know you're not clean, but you're still very sloppy, so it's unlikely you'll wash your hands compulsively.

[2] The fewer thoughts we have, the less we worry.

We can think about it. Most of what we fear is our own thinking. As the saying goes, "Having no heart and no lungs, you actually live a happier life." The less we think, the fewer things we will worry about.

[3] Don't force yourself to change obsessive thoughts.

Don't focus on the thoughts you want to change. Do something else to distract yourself. This may help.

[4] Stay busy or exercise.

Sometimes we think too much because we have nothing to do. If we organize our time, do some exercise, and do the things we like, we will not have too much time to think about these things.

Finally, you should see a professional. In this situation, you also need to change your thinking. Don't force yourself to change. Distract yourself, do something meaningful, relax, and you will get better.

I hope this helps.

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Felix Felix A total of 2119 people have been helped

Hello!

Your account showed worry and tension. You have anxiety/i-feel-quite-sorry-to-my-family-members-and-my-anxiety-disorder-has-started-to-flare-up-again-11357.html" target="_blank">anxiety disorder, which makes it harder.

Hug!

Anxiety disorder is caused by being too anxious. It's like being sick.

Most people don't think a stone on the road is dangerous. But someone with anxiety disorder might think a car will run over it and the stone will fly up and hit them.

It's tragic when someone gets hit by a stone. He was afraid all day.

It's like that news story you mentioned.

That incident was just that patient's business. It has nothing to do with you. He has anxiety, OCD, and cleanliness, but that's him, not you.

You can relax.

You just have anxiety disorder. The patient kept washing his hands because of his obsessive-compulsive disorder. That's not an anxiety disorder response.

You don't have OCD.

The patient kept washing his hands because he thought the dirt meant something bad was inside him.

It's futile.

You're messy, so don't worry about washing your hands.

Anxiety is normal.

Our anxiety levels may be slightly higher than normal. Just take it slow and work on reducing it.

Come on!

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Ursus Phillips Ursus Phillips A total of 3079 people have been helped

Hello, question asker! You asked about hand washing phobia, which I don't think many people have. But you're here on this professional psychological platform, which shows you're a thoughtful and inquisitive person!

Let's dive in and take a closer look at your question!

You said that you have anxiety disorder and are currently taking medication. You have always been afraid of sleeping, but you're ready to conquer that fear! You're aware that bad sleep can bring physical and psychological difficulties, but you're ready to let go of your obsession with sleep. Your family and friends have tried to persuade you, and you know that you don't need to be afraid. You're ready to take control and overcome this challenge!

One day, while watching the news, you found that someone with an anxiety disorder posted a story about themselves. They said that they had an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a fear of germs. They also said that they had to wash their hands many times a day, until their hands were worn out! It was so interesting to see how they became internally nervous and panicked. They were afraid that they would also become a germaphobe and that they would lose control and wash their hands again and again. You know, you are a very messy person, not at all clean, and you are seeking a kind soul to solve your current troubles.

It's time to start seeing yourself from an "advantage perspective"!

A strengths perspective is an amazing psychological counseling and healing method that allows us to see all the amazing things we have going for us! At this point, people may have an idea, that is, although I am not the best, I am not as bad as I thought. You may say, "What bright spots are there in me?"

I can tell you with absolute certainty that you have so many amazing qualities! Just think about it: you were born into this world, which means you must be the best thing ever. The egg cell and sperm cell that joined together to create you must have competed with tens of thousands of other sperm cells.

Because you are the most resilient and courageous! Nature only follows the law of the survival of the fittest, and you have prevailed!

Let's take a look again! You have a keen sense of awareness and can look at yourself from an outsider's perspective. This is how wise you are in cooking! Your self-help skills are also very good. You can identify your own potential problems and know that they are self-filtered. You can't seem to get out of them on your own, so you decide to ask for help from this professional psychological platform.

From this, it seems that you are usually a very independent person who will find your own way out of problems. I can also see many of your good qualities, and I'm excited to share them with you!

As the saying goes, "excess is as bad as deficiency." You still need to discover more of your own strengths. I'm excited to share that I once also faced the fear of insomnia for a long time. But then one day, I suddenly had an epiphany and got over it on my own! I'll talk about my method, for your reference only.

Insomnia is nothing to be afraid of! But, let's be honest, our fear of insomnia can be pretty intense.

I remember that I used to be unable to sleep at night for a long time. Sometimes, when I saw my husband sleeping soundly next to me, I would feel even more unbalanced. I couldn't sleep, so how could he sleep so soundly? No, I had to get him up to keep me company. At this time, I might not listen to what my husband was saying, or I would shake him awake.

At first, he was really patient and talked to me, but then he fell asleep again, so I called out to him to keep me company. At this point, conflicts between us were likely to arise. Later, when I reflected on it, I realized that we were prone to arguing at night, which was a great opportunity for growth! What was wrong?

Then one night, I couldn't sleep after lying awake for a long time, so I got up and turned on my phone to find the TV series I'd been meaning to watch. I told myself that I hadn't had time to watch it during the day because I'd been busy, and since I was awake, I might as well sit down and watch it.

At first, you may still feel a little emotional, but don't worry! Your mood will calm down soon. Later, I found this quote online that I think you'll really like: "Insomnia is not terrible, but our fear of insomnia is."

At this point, I suddenly understood why, after suffering from insomnia at night, I would get up to watch dramas and be able to fall asleep after a while when I felt calm. Because I had faced my fear of insomnia head-on, after many attempts, my sleep had improved—and it was amazing!

When emotions come, it's time to embrace them! See them, understand them, and express them.

Emotions are neither good nor bad; they are simply a signal that tells us we may have unmet needs. Emotions have a protective effect on people. Just like the insomnia problem you face above, if a person often suffers from insomnia and has no emotions or feelings, won't their body eventually be worn down?

Guess what? I used the "method of self-talk" above. Whenever I have insomnia, I tell myself, "So what if I have insomnia? Big deal. I can make up for it tomorrow night." And you know what? It works!

I'm the type of person who can't sleep at night or during the day, so I've had less sleep than others since childhood. But guess what? My daytime energy is still okay! If I still can't sleep the next night, I tell myself that the worst that can happen is that I'll go for a massage during the day to relax. And you know what? I'll make up for it then!

If that doesn't work, I go swimming in the afternoon, and I really can sleep well at night after swimming. I cured my insomnia in this way, and it's a great solution! I used to wonder why I cured my insomnia just by tossing and turning, but now I know.

After studying psychology, I discovered a truly amazing method that helped me overcome my insomnia. It all started when I began to understand, accept, and express my emotions through self-talk. Before I knew it, the fear, anxiety, anger, worry, and fear of insomnia had disappeared! Of course, everyone is different, so my method might not be suitable for everyone. But if you're willing to give it a try, I'm confident you'll see amazing results! And if you're not willing to try it, no problem! There are plenty of other options, including professional psychological workers, who can help you deal with your emotions and alleviate your worries.

Topic Master, I wish you the absolute best! I really hope my answer is helpful. The world and I love you!

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Nicole Nicole A total of 76 people have been helped

Hello. I saw your question about reading the news and being worried about becoming a clean freak. You have anxiety disorder and are currently taking medication. You have more fear of sleep and are always afraid of what physical and psychological suffering will bring if you don't sleep well. You always can't accept your obsession with sleep. Family and friends can't persuade you either. I know, but I'm just afraid. One day, you watched the news and saw a person with anxiety disorder. They said they were anxious, obsessive-compulsive, and a clean freak. They wash their hands many times a day. You suddenly feel nervous and panic. You're afraid of becoming a clean freak and of not being able to control yourself to wash your hands. You think you're messy and not clean at all. You're feeling very anxious and afraid. I'll try to help you answer your questions.

Take your medicine as prescribed. It can help. Your worry and nervousness are typical of anxiety disorder. You also have trouble sleeping and worry about the negative consequences of poor sleep. You worry that you will become like the person in the news. These are all signs of anxiety disorder.

You can also get psychological treatment for anxiety. A cognitive behavioral therapist can help you.

The questioner's anxiety disorder is accompanied by catastrophic thinking. Some anxiety disorders are accompanied by obsessive symptoms. The questioner should not give themselves too many psychological hints. When you have catastrophic thoughts, you can add a few words in front of your thoughts. This is a way to distinguish between thoughts and reality.

The questioner can practice mindfulness meditation and learn progressive muscle relaxation to relieve anxiety. Focusing on one thing helps you pay less attention to anxious events.

Eating less caffeine and exercising can help relieve anxiety.

To get rid of fear, you have to face it, think about what you're worried about, and plan how you'll respond. Anxiety makes you focus on the future. If you have a plan, your anxiety will go down.

Click below to find a coach to answer your question, choose a heart exploration to join the chat, and communicate with me one-on-one. Good luck!

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Zephyrine Zephyrine A total of 7931 people have been helped

Good day.

This is when you may be unintentionally causing yourself stress. It can be helpful to acknowledge the source of your anxiety and remind yourself that there is no problem and that you can handle it.

"I'm better than everyone else." This can help you gradually eliminate the instinctive response of rapid breathing and cold, sweaty hands, allowing your intelligent response to gradually come to the fore. Getting plenty of rest and sleep is a good way to reduce anxiety.

It can be challenging to get sufficient rest when you're feeling stressed. Lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of tension and increase the risk of illness. During periods of low sleep, it's important to find ways to relax and boost your immune system. Distraction techniques like painting or listening to music can be helpful.

Anxiety disorder, also known as anxiety neurosis, is the most common type of neurosis, a broad category of disorders. Anxiety can be understood as a feeling, a type of psychological activity. Psychological activity revolves around needs. Human behavior, emotions, and cognitive thoughts are all about satisfying our needs. Human life depends on the satisfaction of needs. If needs remain unsatisfied for a long time, people may experience difficulties. Anxiety can be seen as a type of fear. Feeling anxious first of all means there is pressure. The so-called pressure is when an individual faces external "dangers" and is unable to cope or lacks effective ways to solve them. This so-called "danger" refers to "unfulfilled human needs." For example, many common anxieties may arise from work or financial pressures.

It is worth noting that excessive worry is a common psychological experience among those struggling with anxiety disorders. Additionally, feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and uncontrollable worry are often present.

It would seem that anxious people are prone to two types of faulty logic: overestimating the likelihood of bad things happening and overdramatizing or catastrophizing the consequences of events.

One of the reasons why the disease persists is because of the distorted perception of things that anxious people have. It is therefore important to help them change their negative perceptions and rebuild their cognition in order to achieve the goal of treatment.

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Lilian Lilian A total of 9341 people have been helped

My esteemed colleague:

Greetings!

From the information provided, it can be discerned that a multitude of concerns and apprehensions are present in your life.

Anxious that inadequate rest will have adverse effects on their physical and mental well-being.

Anxiety about developing obsessive-compulsive disorder, manifested by a perceived need to wash one's hands excessively, is a common concern.

There is a concern that one may be developing hypochondriacal tendencies.

Indeed, one is aware that these concerns are unwarranted, yet one is ensnared in a morass of apprehension and distress, unable to extricate oneself.

It is important to gain an understanding of obsessive thoughts. It can be observed that when an individual is awake, a multitude of chaotic and illogical thoughts are present in their mind. These thoughts can be likened to a river that flows continuously, without pausing for a moment. Furthermore, these thoughts often occur instantaneously, which results in them being overlooked by the individual. Consequently, they do not concern themselves with or pay attention to these thoughts, which subsequently has a minimal impact on their life.

However, individuals with obsessive tendencies are adept at identifying and perpetuating worrisome thoughts. They often engage in persistent ruminations or recollections of distressing ideas, accompanied by feelings of anxiety and fear. These individuals may experience a sense of imminent danger, leading to restlessness, apprehension, distraction, and a diminished interest in external stimuli.

The term "compulsion" is particularly significant, suggesting a deficiency in autonomy and a diminution of volition. Nevertheless, individuals with a proclivity towards compulsion persistently endeavor to reassert control over their inherently uncertain existence. They are unable to relinquish their grasp on their own powerlessness and limitations, thereby failing to fully accept the inherent uncertainty of their circumstances.

I aspire to cultivate an inner world that is characterized by chaos and disorder, to pursue my desired actions without inhibition, to refrain from internal conflict, and to accept the natural ebb and flow of circumstances.

I wish you the best of success.

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Claire Margaret Carter Claire Margaret Carter A total of 3085 people have been helped

Hello!

Pat your shoulders and take a deep breath! You've got this! Anxiety cannot settle in the present moment because your attention is fully focused on the outside world. Deep breathing and being aware of your emotions can help you withdraw from negative emotions in time, return to the present moment, and regain a sense of lost strength. You can do this!

After reading the news story, I was excited to discover that I might become a germaphobe and develop hand-washing syndrome!

One day, while watching the news, I made an incredible discovery! Someone with anxiety disorder had posted their own story. They said that they had anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a cleanliness obsession, and that they had to wash their hands many times a day, until their hands were worn out. It was so inspiring to see how they were taking control of their situation and seeking help. They were a very messy person who was not at all clean, and they were determined to find a solution. They were currently very troubled, but they were ready to make a change!

Let's dive into some of the fascinating symptoms of anxiety disorders! When you see messages from people who are experiencing similar symptoms, it can trigger a fear that the same thing will happen to you. This can increase your anxiety and make it challenging to relax. You might even worry that your obsessive-compulsive behavior, like hand-washing, will take over. And who knows, you might even fear that misfortune will befall you!

Anxiety is a natural defense mechanism that helps us stay safe and secure. It's a warning signal that we give off when we feel insecure or threatened. For people with anxiety disorders, their focus is usually either in the future or the past. This makes it challenging for them to deeply connect with themselves and stay in the present. But here's the good news! Staying in the present means "not acting," which can actually help them feel more at ease and less anxious.

Then, we have the negative information here, which is the stimulus input into the environment: obsessive-compulsive hand washing. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder have a commonality with people with anxiety disorders. They have obsessive-compulsive hand washing. Obviously, the questioner will subconsciously amplify the probability that they will get obsessive-compulsive disorder. But is that really the case? Anxiety is a basic human emotion. Could it be that we all get obsessive-compulsive disorder when we are overly anxious?

The great news is that not everyone will develop obsessive-compulsive disorder due to excessive anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a person's repeated obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Excessive anxiety may trigger obsessive phenomena, but it does not necessarily produce them. However, when we focus all our attention on negative information, it will enhance the obsessive phenomenon of the negative information we pay attention to.

For example, people who always pay excessive attention to hygiene habits will gradually develop compulsive personal hygiene habits. Because obsessive-compulsive thinking is enhanced, we are more inclined to unconscious responses, that is, there is no time to think and react, but because of fear, fear and worry, we directly skip the thinking part and make a decision!

Xiao Ming washes his hands frequently because his mother told him to, and he's happy to do it! After all, unclean bacteria could get on his hands otherwise. At first, Xiao Ming did not have excessive obsessive symptoms, but after being exposed to this environment for a long time, he would want to wash his hands frequently whenever he felt negative information, to get rid of the internal conflict.

Therefore, the questioner saw a story that would cause internal worry. This is a very normal emotion, but there is no need to pay excessive attention to it or bring it into yourself. This will only make it difficult to think positively and cause a greater sense of internal conflict. The good news is that you can learn to reasonably regulate emotions and maintain a peaceful mood, which will help you restore a healthy and sunny mindset and feel positive energy!

You've got this! Stay strong and keep going!

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Comments

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Atticus Anderson A teacher's creativity is the magic wand that makes learning a delightful adventure.

I can relate to how overwhelming and scary it feels when anxiety takes over, especially the fear of developing new compulsions. It's important to remember that everyone's experience is unique, and just because someone else went through something doesn't mean you will follow the same path. Try to focus on your own journey and the steps you're taking towards managing your anxiety.

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Cynthia Jackson Learning is a commitment to improvement.

It sounds incredibly challenging to deal with the fear of sleep and the worry about potentially developing other compulsions. Have you considered speaking with a therapist or counselor? They could offer strategies to cope with these fears and help you understand that your identity isn't defined by your disorder. You don't have to go through this alone.

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Lee Davis Teachers are the storytellers who narrate the tales of wisdom to students.

Anxiety can make us fear things that are unlikely to happen, like suddenly becoming obsessed with cleanliness when that's not part of your nature. It's okay to feel afraid, but try to remind yourself that these are just worries created by your anxiety. Maybe talking to others who share similar experiences in support groups could provide comfort and insights.

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Doris Anderson Variety is the spice of life.

Feeling troubled and scared is completely valid, but I hope you know there's support out there for you. Perhaps engaging in activities that bring you peace or relaxation might ease some of the anxiety around sleep. Remember, it's okay to seek professional help if you feel like it's too much to handle on your own.

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