Worrying, negative thinking and imagining worst-case scenarios no doubt can be a significant challenge. However sometimes this form of thinking is a bit of an unsung hero. After all being aware of what could go wrong or knowing what we don’t want can, in some cases, help us to avoid it actually happening.
Action: Think of your worries or concerns as a slightly gloomy but very affectionate shadowy friend. This friend can help you to be safe but they only have one perspective so it’s important that you don’t believe every concern they express- it’s at most a possibility (if even that) and usually not a fact. Let them know that you appreciate their care, so that they needn’t push you too hard with their safety concern, and also encourage them to be equal opportunity in their doubts – i.e. to be as concerned about not feeling good as with other behaviours such as avoidance.