Dealing with Being Worried
Recognize that you're worried. That might seem obvious, but sometimes worry - and all the things that can come with it, like sleep or eating problems - can just creep up on you almost without you realizing it. Once you realize that some of what's going on has to do with your feelings, you can do something about it.
*Get support. Talking about how you're feeling with an understanding adult (like a parent, counselor, or teacher) can really help.
*Exercise, eat, and sleep. These basic, important things help you stay at your best and strongest.
*Limit your news watching - and talk about what you see and hear with an adult. It's important to stay informed, but a steady diet of news watching may make you feel worse.
*Do something for others - if you're worried about a loved one, chances are others in your family are, too. Tune in to what family members might need, and pitch in to help. This might mean helping with extra chores, watching a younger brother or sister or helping them with homework, offering to help a parent, or surprising someone with a small kindness.
*Take action. Send a letter or email to your loved one, volunteer in your community, or do something that helps others.
*Express yourself. Draw, paint, or write a journal entry, a poem, or a letter to someone you care about. They'll appreciate it.
*Join others to talk. Some communities and schools have support groups and services especially for families of service members.
*Do things that help you feel calm. For some it might mean listening to music, playing an instrument, reading a book, enjoying nature, relaxing quietly, or spending time with a pet - whatever soothes you best.
*Spend moments in positive reflection. Many find that holding their loved ones in their thoughts and prayers helps them feel better.
Will these things make you feel better? Probably. But it's natural to be worried - at least some of the time - until the danger is really over and you're seeing your relative or friend face-to-face again. Until that time, it will be your responsibility to keep yourself healthy and help support your family as best as you can.
Reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD, and D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: March 2003
