Post Tinnitus Stress/Anxiety

Fantastic news.

Might you be able to force yourself to move your attention elsewhere when you notice you are about to check whether it is still there?

Can you maybe have some very faint background music in your home that makes it impossible to even try to listen to the non-existent tinnitus?

You know how cancer survivors are oftentimes worried about the prospect of it returning. In a way the same applies to resolved tinnitus, I can imagine, at least for some people.

I'm not comparing cancer with tinnitus here, but what you are about to read is a good list of things how to overcome the fear of uncertainty.

The following (replace "cancer" with "tinnitus") is from cancer.org:

• Be aware that you do not have control over some aspects of your cancer. It helps to accept this rather than fight it.
• Be aware of your fears, but don’t judge them. Practice letting them go. It’s normal for these thoughts to enter your mind, but you don’t have to keep them there. Some people picture them floating away, or being vaporized. Others turn them over to a higher power to handle. However you do it, letting them go can free you from wasting time and energy on needless worry.
• Express feelings of fear or uncertainty with a trusted friend or counselor. Being open and dealing with emotions helps many people feel less worried. People have found that when they express strong feelings, like fear, they are more able to let go of these feelings. Thinking and talking about your feelings can be hard. If you find cancer is taking over your life, it often helps to find a way to express your feelings.
• Take in the present moment rather than thinking of an uncertain future or a difficult past. If you can find a way to feel peaceful inside yourself, even for a few minutes a day, you can start to recall that peace when other things are happening – when life is busy and confusing.
• Work toward having a positive attitude, which can help you feel better about life now. Just remember you don’t have to act “positive” all the time. Don’t beat yourself up or let others make you feel guilty when you’re feeling sad, angry, anxious, or distressed.
• Use your energy to focus on wellness and what you can do now to stay as healthy as possible. Try to make healthy diet changes. If you are a smoker, this is a good time to quit.
• Find ways to help yourself relax.
• Be as physically active as you can.
• Control what you can. Some people say that putting their lives back in order makes them feel less fearful. Being involved in your health care, getting back to your normal life, and making changes in your lifestyle are among the things you can control. Even setting a daily schedule can give you more power. And while no one can control every thought, some say they’ve resolved not to dwell on the fearful ones.