Help dealing with anxiety?

[Ionasky]

I had my dd 2 years ago and I feel that I haven't gotten a grip of my anxiety levels since then. We moved from the us to Scotland (although I'm English) when DD was 2 months old and we lost all of our network of family and friends. I went back to work full time when dd was 11 months partly as i was lonely but the anxiety and feeling alone hasn't gotten better. Instead I talk way too much at work and tell stupid stories, can't seem to rein it in. I think the anxious feelings make me talk, or perhaps a desire to connect.

I went down to 4 days a week recently but still feel like I'm struggling to be normal. I do drink a lot of coffee, some days 4 shots of espresso, but when I try and cut back I find it hard to function in the morning. Any advice? I don't think I'm depressed, but lonely and very anxious and not sure what to do for the best.

[cater12]

First of all, try to cut down on your coffee intake. This has been noted to be the cause of anxiety as well as depression. I may advice you to join a social group or a club where you can express yourself freely and share your feelings too. Interacting with people is the best way to get rid of anxiety.

[frillynat81]

Hi there

I used to drink a lot of coffee and it helped my anxiety when I cut back

Where in Scotland are you?

[Ionasky]

I'm in Edinburgh, I've found it pretty hard to make any friends - not really sure why although I haven't met many people. Thanks, I'm going to try and get rid of the coffee altogether. I'm sure you're right about interaction - I've been thinking about quitting work but it might be better to try and cut back on the inappropriate chatting at work - if I quit I won't really resolve that.

[frillynat81]

Anxiety is an awful thing. I find it difficult to meet new people, I have a tendency to appear rude at times because of this. If you fancy a chat, you can pm me. X

[Yassmina]

Dear Ionasky,

Anxiety is a terrible thing. I have been dealing with Panic Attacks and occasional anxiety for the past two years, and have practically kept these troubles to myself. I put on a brave face , and my family has no idea what I am going through.
I would feel most comfortable talking about my anxiety with someone else who feels the same way. If you are ever feeling lonely or anxious, please feel free to drop me a line:) I would love to help. We don't necessarily need to talk about anxiety either, we can just have a friendly chat.
You are by no means alone:)

Take care,
Yassmina
(btw, I am a 30 year old mum to one:)

[Ionasky]

Thanks, I will message you - it's so nice to be able to talk about it without worrying about someone gossiping about you etc! I can't believe I haven't thought about mumsnet before...