Tips for managing anxiety

[RandomChocolate]

DH and DS have been away for a week visiting family, and being alone has made me realise I have an anxiety problem. I've always known I'm a worrier but think I need to get help.

I stayed awake the whole night DH and DS left (on a 13 hour flight) worrying about their plane crashing, and how they would survive if they survived the crash and had to float in the sea for hours

I just spent over £100 on a gas safety check and boiler service because I couldn't get rid of the idea that if I died of carbon monoxide poisoning, no one would find me for a week. I left all the windows open at night even though I have two alarms and a relatively new boiler.

I know this is excessive and my brain knows I'm being ridiculous but I can't seem to stop these stupid thoughts running through my head.
I'm going to make an appointment to see my GP tomorrow but I'm not sure what she can do for me.

I found the AnxietyUK website and it's a huge relief to know I'm not the only one who does this.

Is anyone else going through something like this? How do you stop it? And what can the GP do really?

[bittersweetvictory]

Hi randomchocolate, i suffer from anxiety and my GP prescribed diazepam which works right away but a lot of GPs wont prescribe it unless its severe as they are pretty addictive but there are plenty other meds that your GP can give you if he/she thinks you need it, or they might suggest some counceling.
i also like to listen to a new age relaxing music cd when im trying to get to sleep, i also find anxiety hypnosis cds help me a lot ( you can get them off ebay cheap )
My GP actually recomended this one, Relaxation CD 4 Stress Depression Anxiety Panic + M, there is 4 different exercises on it and i found the tensing and breathing exercises really helpfull.

[moodyblue]

Hi Random. Yes, I am going through the same thing - it's completely exhausting isn't it? I seem to see the worst possible outcome of every situation. I panic at the thought of my boys (12 and 10) eating sweets when I can't see them in case they choke, in case someone accidentally leaves a knife blade up in the dishwasher and one of them falls on it, when one of them is standing at the top of the stairs I'm convinced that he will fall down and break his neck. If I see an ambulance driving in the direction of anyone I know I'm convinced that they've died. My worst fear is that when I've told my oldest off that he will hang himself in his bedroom. I've been like this for years and been on and off medication. I've had psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Currently I am taking anti-depressants. I'm wondering if it's a form of OCD though I don't have any rituals like handwashing (although I do google symptoms etc obsessively!).

I've had a horrible few days switching medication but am hoping to start running when things have settled cause I hear exercise is good for anxiety. I've also been referred for counselling but that could take a while.

Have you tried anything to get over the anxiety? I would definitely go to the GP. Sorry you are feeling like this :(

[RandomChocolate]

Hypnotherapy or relaxation exercises are probably the best place to start and I'll see how I go. I'll see what the GP has to say. I'm a bit nervous about medication.
Thanks, Moodyblue and bittersweetvictory. I appreciate your support

[Bexamundo]

I struggle with anxiety issues (currently ttc without joy and am now worrying about the impact this nay have on future kids!, ah the joys if anxiety). I'm working with a counsellor to identify negative if invasive thoughts - I have thoughts of self harm and self loathing. Basically I'm learning to recognise how and why these thoughts occur so I can break the pattern. I got referred to my local counselling service via my Gp. Kalms/rescue remedy can take the edge off initial stress but its worth considering anti-anxiety meds like citalopram for chronic probs. I was reluctant initially but they really did help me. I'd say meds aren't enough on their own because they only treat the symptom. Counselling to get to the root of the issues is vital.
You are right about exercise, it releases endorphins the happy hormone but it usually helps rather than cures anxiety issues.
Recognising the issue us the first step to recovery (trite as that may sound). Hope you find the solutions you need.