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Original poster

To ask what it's like not to have anxiety

42 replies

greyskiesandcarpet · 18/06/2024 20:34

I am 42 and have crippling anxiety around work. I think and worry about it 99.9% of the time! Will I make a massive mistake, am I doing something wrong? I am in a middle management job. Whats it like to not worry about work and to be able to leave it at the door? Did anyone use to have work anxiety and then managed to cure it? I feel like life has a constant cloud over it and I can't enjoy anything 100%. Please can someone give me hope.

OP posts:
Original poster
greyskiesandcarpet · 18/06/2024 21:04

Already so glad I posted this. Thank you for the helpful posts, the understanding posts and those offering tips and hints. Sending big hugs to those who are going through the same. Swear everyone at work thinks I'm neurotic, when I used to be anything but!

OP posts:
Gettingannoyednow · 18/06/2024 21:03

What are your worries about medication?

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 18/06/2024 21:02

I'm 52 and perimenopausal. I had bad postnatal anxiety which took a long time to get over. I felt those same feelings coming back about 6 months ago (presumably perimenopause related). I started taking an Ashwagandha supplement and a Well Woman 50+ supplement (ncluding iron - I have a tendencyto anaemia and had been having very heavy periods), and within about a week and a half I honestly felt like a different person. All the work stuff that my anxiety was mostly focused on is still there, but it's like my anxiety about it has just been switched off!

Apollo365 · 18/06/2024 21:01

I felt like you OP. I started sertraline about 5 years ago now, it took a few months to get things under control and get the dosage right - but oh my goodness life is lovely without that constant overwhelming anxiety ruining it.
Get some help, you don’t have to live like this xx

WhitegreeNcandle · 18/06/2024 20:59

so sorry - no answers! Just solidarity!

WhitegreeNcandle · 18/06/2024 20:59

I’m 44 and struggling with anxiety like I never had in my life before. I think it’s a mix of 4 years full on stress through Covid and finished off with perimenopause. I’m on hrt but it’s not doing the trick at the minute. I’ve taken a step back at work right now as the family stress was just too much.

StonwEd · 18/06/2024 20:56

I’ve been suffering terrible anxiety recently, last time I went through a major train station I could barely walk in there but had to do so for work these last few days. I spent the whole journey listening to anxiety help podcasts and a bit of hypnosis stuff at night. I managed the whole trip and am SO proud of myself for not crying or having a panic attack. I’m really working on self help, looking for book recommendations etc but totally agree with the poster who said about perimenopause- I’m certain that’s why I’m like this at the moment (44!)
Good luck and speak to a Dr if it is affecting you that much, but definitely understand where you’re coming from, it’s so debilitating x

Singersong · 18/06/2024 20:55

I can honestly say it's very rare I feel anxious about anything so not sure I am able to explain what it's like as to me, it's just normal. I can see why you're hesitant to try drugs as I wouldn't want to take anything mind-altering either.

Have you tried any other ways of dealing with it? Are there any particular things that make it slightly worse/better?

RM2013 · 18/06/2024 20:55

My anxiety levels reached sky high levels during Covid and working 12hr shifts and the constant pressure was awful. Things improved when I changed my role to do 9-5 hrs in a less pressured work environment. I still have a lot of work related anxiety but HRT has definitely helped me

Original poster
greyskiesandcarpet · 18/06/2024 20:52

@Thatsajokeright I've had bloods, nothing came up! I've been through a period is immense stress these past five years. I think it's being in constant fight or flight!

OP posts:
Thatsajokeright · 18/06/2024 20:47

greyskiesandcarpet · 18/06/2024 20:41

@Thatsajokeright how does it work? How do I get prescribed?

My mental health plummeted as my oestrogen did. If you're 42 there's a good chance you're in perimenopause. It might be contributing to your anxiety.

Also, anxiety is a known symptom of an underactive thyroid so it might be worth looking online for the symptoms to see if you have any of them. Then you can ask your GP for a blood test.

Original poster
greyskiesandcarpet · 18/06/2024 20:41

@Thatsajokeright how does it work? How do I get prescribed?

OP posts:
Original poster
greyskiesandcarpet · 18/06/2024 20:38

@Gettingannoyednow I have been offered medication, but am scared to try!

OP posts:
Thatsajokeright · 18/06/2024 20:38

Are you on HRT?

I ask because it was life changing for me.

Gettingannoyednow · 18/06/2024 20:37

What have you tried so far?

orpmoa · 18/06/2024 20:36

Life is too short! Can you change roles?

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