Constant worry

Nana56 I think it’s an age thing tbh.I, like many people have more than enough real problems to cope with, and when I have felt as you do I give myself a stern talking to.
The best thing is to know is that you will confront any problems as and when and if they happen, and not a moment before.

We are stronger than we think and if you tell yourself that whatever happens you will cope.
I used to worry about losing my DH. I did lose him and I have coped well I think.
I also worried I would get cancer. I did and I took it in my stride.
I know now that we do manage when the worst happens.

I'm the same and my DH is the opposite so he cannot understand it. It wears you down.

I call it overthinking. It's a self defence mechanism to imagine the worst thing that could happen and how I'd cope with it. But you, OP, are recognising that it's not healthy.

When my marriage broke down it hit me like a tonne of bricks, absolutely knocked sideways - I found writing down my thoughts helped, once I put them to paper I didn't have to keep dwelling on them. Putting them down also clarified the muddle of thoughts. It's something that works for me. However I'd suggest (and I'm sure more will be along in a moment to suggest the same) that your GP will be able to help, maybe a mild anti-depressant. Just something to take the edge off.

We are living through a Global pandemic and various crisis and I don't think it can be stressed enough that we all need to be gentle with ourselves.

That used to be me Nana, but when something terrible did happen, that I never in a million years would ever have thought possible, I stopped worrying about things that may never happen, because whether they do or not there's nothing I can do to stop them.

All you, me and any of us can do is deal with whatever happens in the best way we can.

It might do you good to talk to a professional to help you manage your increased levels of anxiety. You're not selfish and you're not going mad, you just need help to manage your concerns.

They do say only worry about things that you have control over. Having said that, I’m a worst case scenario person. I’d love to be an optimist but it’s too late for me to change now.

PS No you are not being selfish!

We all worry, Nana, especially about our families, but it sounds as if this is taking over your life and spoiling it. Maybe this is anxiety which your GP could help you with. If I were you I would make an appointment to talk things over with him/her and see what they suggest, maybe some mild medication. ?

No, I’m not a worrier despite my ill health. I am quite positive person and just get on with things as best I can, worrying is not going to make things any better, I don’t think you are being selfish at all, some people are born worriers, trouble with worrying is it doesn’t do your mental health any good, Do you like reading? There are self help books available to help you calm the mind, I think you sound a lovely caring person as you are saying there are people with real problems, but your worrying is causing you problems so if it was me I’d try and get some relaxation tapes to listen to, if it got too much I’d be paying a visit to the dr, would your daughter be moving a very long way away nana56, too far to visit regularly?

Anxiety is a horrible burden - the price you pay as a sufferer is high

Do not hesitate to contact your doctor to address it.

Oh yes. This is me too. Waiting for the next awful thing to happen. Mrs What If my husband calls me. It's exhausting. I hope you can get some help to make you feel better.