Exhausted by "What if?" thinking.

I have always struggled with "what if" or worst case scenario thinking. Recently, I've been dealing with important financial decisions that will effect me for some time. My problem is that I find myself almost paralyzed and obsessed by all the things that could go wrong in the process. I work these over in my mind to their worst case outcome and before I know it, I'm planning on where I will sleep when I'm homeless, as a result of whatever decision I've made. Has anyone else dealt with this? And if so, any suggestions on coping mechanisms that you have found helpful. Thank You.

You're not alone in this. I'm dealing with the same thing, lots of big financial decisions and suddenly the worst possible outcome automatically comes to the forefront of every scenario. I try to be mindful of this, tell myself that just because it 'could' happen doesn't mean it 'will' happen. I find it also helps to break each stressor down individually, and instead of getting overwhelmed by ALL the things to be done, focus on a individual plan for each one. This is all easier said than done of course, but I try to keep a generally positive attitude too. Otherwise, yes, the catastrophic thinking will take over and I'll suddenly be a homeless bum hitchhiking across the country lol. Best of luck to you!

"Anxiety happens when you think you have to figure out everything all at once. Breathe. You're strong. You got this. Take it day by day." ~ Karen Salmansohn

"Breathe. You don't need to get everything done right now." ~ Doreen Virtue

The past and future dosen't really exist. When thoughts about the future arise, they are thought of in the present moment.

If you think about it then living in a luxury house is nearly the same as living on the streets. Its all a combination of the 5 senses and the mind-sense. Its a combination of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling and thinking.

Try to stay in the present moment by remembering to keep focus on your breath. Notice the sensation when the stomach is rising and falling. That is your anchor preventing you from drifting into fantasies about the past and future.

Dont stray too far away from the present moment. Just like fungi and bacteria grow in darkness thoughts/worries/ideas grow and proliferate when we are not mindful. Then the mind "auto-spins".

If one if mindful of the thought-processes that are going on then one can deal with whatever is happening.