I have an irrational and crippling fear of... checking my mail

[CourtneyJ]

No this not the start of a joke. I am a GAD sufferer who is absolutely terrified of checking my mail.

The last time I checked my mail (late September) I had a GIANT fine waiting for me. Now I'm too scared to check it again. This isn't the first time I've had this reaction. A few years ago I got notice saying there was a letter/package waiting for me at the post office. I FREAKED out and assumed the worst. My top choices were fine from the tax department, fine from speeding or running a red light or someone serving me legal papers because they're suing me.

Now all my bills are delivered my email (I think) and I have no reason to believe there's another fine or "bad news" waiting for me. The really horribly thing is that if there is a fine/bill in the mail the longer it goes without being paid the more expensive it'll probably get.

I know I have to get past the fear and just do it. But even the thought of approaching my mail box makes me feel violently ill.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Courtney,
Thanks for sharing and you explain so well what I think a lot of us feel!

Can definitely relate, for the record. I find myself putting off reading potentially stressful emails, waiting a few days or so. does it help you to share about it here?? It is interesting how many people experience this. Good luck for the therapy session, opening them! I guess step one is seeing the emails, step two, opening there... So you've done one hard part already....

[Matchy69]

Hi Courtney just seeing if you managed to open your mail ok.I know how anxious you were about it.I checked mine today their was two bills and a letter from my world vision child which was nice.

Take care,

Mark.

[37820096]

Wow I thought I was the only one with this issue.