I get anxiety about my loved ones

Hi, it’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Sandra in Fort Meyers, Florida. I get anxiety about my loved ones. I care so much about my family and I am always worried about them, especially when they are traveling. How can I cope with it?

We live in a world of probability rather than possibility and you need to accept certain realities. Do you have family and friends in high-risk professions? For example, firefighter, military deployed to a combat zone, police, corrections or people you love, are they thrill seekers, risk takers or just down right reckless? They will be at greater risk for harm or death, but if so, this is the lifestyle or profession that they have chosen and loved ones have to accept this and live with the risk. This can be very hard and it’s one reason why people in the above listed professions have a high rate of divorce. Their spouses cannot live with the constant worry about their safety. Family and friends may encourage them to change careers after an especially close call or hazardous duty.

And if the people you love are not in a high risk profession but have pretty ordinary lives, your family and friends and all the people you love are neither immortal nor invincible. The world can be unpredictable and a dangerous place. Can something bad happen to people when they’re traveling? Yes.
Can something bad happen to people when they’re at home? Yes. Can you prevent bad things from happening and protect them by worrying? No. With acceptance comes serenity and peace. Enjoy the time that you have with your family and friends and take nothing for granted. Savor every moment with them.

Have you spoken to the people that you care about regarding your fears for them? Have you ever spoken to a professional counselor about this? It may be time to if the anxiety is severe, persistent or causing problems with your own functioning or constantly distressing you.