PHIL 3160 – Philosophy of Happiness

What is it, how can we best pursue it, why should we? Supporting the study of these and related questions at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond. "Examining the concept of human happiness and its application in everyday living as discussed since antiquity by philosophers, psychologists, writers, spiritual leaders, and contributors to pop culture."

Monday, May 15, 2023

GK advises a chronic worrier

 Garrison,

I’m writing for words of wisdom or advice. Or just an assurance that everything will work out. And if you can’t provide any of that, then perhaps just a great recipe for Tuna Hot Dish will suffice.

I am about 15 years behind you on the road of life and I get so distraught at times. Despite having a wonderful family, good health, I still manufacture things to worry and fret about every day. 

My daughter is doing great and recently married. But I worry about my 32-year-old son who is desperately searching for an elementary music teaching position. He is so great with kids and truly enjoys planting seeds of the love of music in children. I fret about getting older and how I will die and when. I fear losing things — life, security, my lovely wife (i.e., what will I do if she is called home before me?). I wonder why I have never suffered or experienced significant loss, like so many of my friends have? And I’m tired of these senseless and unproductive bouts of worry that I find myself in. Why am I wasting this time in the dark corners of my mind in senseless worry? I am so very blessed. I know this, but every day is still a struggle. 

Do you ever find yourself stuck in worry mode? I want to enjoy my life, and yet, like so many these days (I think), I’d rather just hide in my room and stay in bed. Yeah, so what can I do?

Best to you always,
Russell

This sounds like real trouble and luckily for you anxiety is something professionals know a few things about dealing with. I would find a good psychiatrist, a doctor, one who will listen to you say just what you’re telling me, and one who is open to pharmacology. I know people who suffered from bothersome anxiety and who got good relief from medications. I’ve never been troubled by this and any advice I offered would be too glib. There are many roads available but I’d begin with this one: the simple treatment of anxiety by chemical means. GK

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