The Worry Control Workbook
CHAPTER 8
Controlling Worries About
Health and Safety Issues
The state of one's health is a constant worry for many of us, accompanying us on our
journey through life. These worries tend to change and, sometimes, intensify as we age.
This study participant says her health is excellent in spite of her worries:
Obviously I am paying attention to clues about aging that I see all around me rather than
maintaining confidence in my good health. It's unsettling to see others my age having
problems! I see my doctor -- not often, because I can't afford it. I try to pay attention
to diet, exercise, and avoiding stress. I make sure to stay in touch with the healing
power of the world of nature.
Another participant feels that:
Health and well-being, when you don't have it, is a major cause of worry. If you can't
function on a certain level, then everything becomes hard to cope with. It's all fear. And
all grist for the mill to work with. Illness and suffering changes you, your outlook and
approach to life. My health was really bad at one point so that has influenced me. Perhaps
I worry less because things aren't so bad now in comparison, but perhaps I worry because I
know how bad it can be to have bad health.
The downside is almost everyone seems to worry excessively about their health. The
upside is there is a lot you can do about it. Gone are the old days when we expected our
physician to know the answers to all of our health problems. Today we know that the state
of our health is up to us. What can be done to control worry about health issues?
Educate Yourself
The number one thing cited by people in the study as a way to address and relieve
health worries is to educate yourself. While it may take some research, effort and time to
find the answers you are looking for, the sources of available information are expanding
rapidly. They include:
· libraries
· book stores
· resource books
· the internet/world wide web (You can "bookmark" sites on the internet that
you have found to be most valuable so you can easily access them again. Download articles
of most interest in case they are removed before your return.)
· 800, 888 and 900 informational numbers
· health focused newsletters and magazines
· classes, courses, workshops and seminars
· support groups
· health care professionals
The following is a story from my own life which illustrates the importance of educating
yourself about all aspects of health related issues.
In 1976, I went to a doctor for the first time to address the issue of my recurring
deep depressions. The doctor diagnosed and put me on a medication which I took daily,
without fail, for ten years. I didn't really know what the medication did, what it could
do to my body, when I should and shouldn't take it, or anything else that was necessary to
keep me from inadvertently harming myself. My lack of education was eventually my
"downfall". I continued to take my medication when I had a stomach bug that had
dehydrated my body. My body, without fluids, received a toxic overload which, if it had
not been treated immediately, could have been fatal.
Now, before I take any medication, I learn about it. I look it up in consumer friendly
books about medications and in the Physicians Desk Reference. Sometimes, once I've read
about a medication, I decide not to take it. If I do take it, I do it with appropriate
respect for what it can and can't do, and how I need to manage it.
When any health problem comes up for me now, I begin a research project. If I'm too
sick to do it, a family member or friend is often willing to undertake the task. The
Internet has become a very valuable resource for me in this process.
If you are considering taking a medication, the following form will help you learn all
you can about any recommended medications, so you won't get into the same kind of trouble
I did. You can make copies of this form to have available whenever you are considering
taking a medication.
Questions to Ask the Doctor About Medication
generic name __________________ product name __________________
product category __________________ suggested dosage level _____________
How does this medication work? What do you expect it to do?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
How long will it take to achieve that result? _____________________________________
What are the risks associated with taking this medication?
________________________________________________________________
What kind of an effectiveness track record does this medication have?
________________________________________________________________
What short term side effects does this medication have?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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