So anxious I'm finding it hard to function

[anothernamechanged]

I have a history of depression and anxiety. I'm currently taking Citalopram at the highest dose. Things are pretty stressful at the moment - DC undergoing medical tests, trying to sort out my divorce from uncooperative husband, not long moved house, recently had a close friend completely turn on me, plus trying to stop breastfeeding youngest DC and neither of them sleep well. I'm exhausted and stressed. I am in a relatively new relationship too and, while things are going well, the stress that I'm experiencing is making me anxious about everything and that's translating in to paranoia about my relationship. He has given me no reason at all to be paranoid but equally, I don't want to rely on him to reassure me as I very much know it's my problem and not anything he's doing. I don't know how to deal with this. I know I should go to the GP but the only chance I have to go when I don't have the DC is days that I work and I'd have to take leave and I'm already worried about my leave as I've had to use so much to cover medical appointments for my DC and I still have to cover school holidays. Besides, i previously spoke to my GP about anxiety and I know there's nothing I can take while I'm breastfeeding so I don't know what they could/would do anyway.

I'm so stressed and I'm trying to be proactive to sort it before it becomes a problem but trying to sort it is causing me more stress. Arrrgggggghhhh. I don't really know what I'm asking, perhaps for a bit of perspective or, ideally, a miracle cure that I haven't considered!

[JamPasty]

Big hugs! I'm not surprised you're stressed, that's a load of stuff you are dealing with.

I would go to your GP (take the kids with you if necessary) and ask about sertraline - I think (I am NOT a doctor or any form of medical professional) that that can be taken while breastfeeding. You could also post about that on AIBU and I'm sure a ton of knowledgeable people could be able to help.

In the meantime, take 5 mins and have a cup of tea/drink of choice. You need to build into your day little oases of calm.

[anothernamechanged]

Thank you so much for your response.

I have previously tried sertraline and it didn't agree with me, although now I can't remember what the side effects were. If it was something purely physical I would be prepared to go through that again in order to get away from the anxiety. I discussed my problems with it at the time with my GP so presumably it should be on my notes.

I do have a free evening this week after work so I'm going to try to get an appointment for then. There's one particular GP at the surgery who I have always got on worn brilliantly so I hope I can get an appointment with him.

I spent today with friends and my anxiety levels reduced, probably down to distraction but it's been a better day and I'm thankful for that.

[JamPasty]

Excellent news! Keep on keeping on!