Fear Power

"I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened." – Mark Twain

A client who fears he has health problems from drinking said in group that he spends a lot of time worrying. Most of the day he lives under a cloud of depression.

            “I spend too much time wondering what’s going to happen,” he said. “Plus, I don’t have insurance.”

He said that around four years ago he was told he had hepatitis C. The doctor said if he kept drinking it would likely kill him. In spite of the warning he drank for three more years. Now he has understandable concerns.

However, a group member suggested that worrying about isn’t going to help. Unless he’s seen a doctor and had a diagnosis he doesn’t know what’s going on with his health.

            “It’s just as easy for you to wake up in the morning,” the group leader told him, “and tell yourself you feel great. If you keep telling yourself you’re sick, it might come true.”

The client agreed that he mostly gives himself negative feedback and said he might practice giving himself positive affirmations as a way to overcome his fear.