Anxiety is crippling me

@Catza oh that's good to know-I will ask about it next time, I've heard good things about it whenever it's been mentioned.

He most definitely will prescribe sertraline because this is often the first line of defence for anxiety. I'd encourage you to consider it.

I suppose I'm scared of any potential side-effects of anti-depressants, but that might just be my anxiety talking. I'm kind of used to depression at this point, it's the anxiety bothering me more atm. See I think if I could get propanolol I'd feel a lot calmer but I suppose doctor wants to treat the initial cause, but that could take years figuring that out/fixing it! He does seem to think antidepressants will help but I dunno. I just think there's so many different types as well, the only thing I've heard is consistently working for people is Sertraline, but knowing my luck he won't prescribe that.

this is totally left field. but try mounjaro? it is not cheap but really good for weight loss and inflammation and some people find it good for mood.

How do you feel about that?

Maybe some time out would be helpful. It definitely sounds like some sort of a break is needed.

Read Claire weekes books or listen to her on YouTube.

Thank you.

I really feel for you with the school mum issue. I'm glad she's apologised, but that kind of thing can be really hard, especially when it's infront of everyone. Go easy on yourself. X

You can try doing an online AQ50 questionnaire and then take the results of that to your GP if you want to pursue an assessment for autism.

Autistic females present very differently to the autistic stereotype which was based solely on males. Females tend to be much higher masking and a lot of what we struggle with we internalise so it's harder to spot, but still very impactful.

I'm not saying you are autistic but it's common to have multiple other diagnosis and autism does have a strong genetic link.

Understanding my autism and managing all of my social, sensory and communication stressor has really helped me to stay out of autistic shutdown and I'm much kinder to myself now that I understand all of this.

Apologies if I've lent too heavily into the possibility of autism, I have just found it something of a revelation for me.

Autistic or not, you don't need a label to be kind to yourself and advocate for breaks and restorative spaces.

Kindly, OP, you ARE struggling and it sounds like you’ve struggled for a long time. I think it is worth exploring x

Yep this helped me immensely. Two things that worked for me were a 45 minute walk with the dog every day, regardless of the weather, and 30 minutes of cardio at the gym as often as I can manage it.
You will naturally sleep better after that and sleep is hugely important. Try to get to bed by 9.30pm too.

@OddBallNumber5 go back to GP and get a better medication. Sertraline or Mirtazepine is better for anxiety. I swear by Ashwaganda and Magnesium Glycinate supplements as well.

Pay for private therapy with someone good. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made in my MH.

More exercise! You said you've started doing some and enjoyed it, that's the one positive thing that stands right out in your post so do more of what you enjoy! It's beneficial in so many ways - weight loss, better sleep, time spent exercising is less time to feel anxious about things, releases endorphins, the list goes on.

Good luck!

The usual way. Screening questionnaire from the GP, then a referral to neuropsychiatry and a ling wait. It was a long time ago so waiting lists weren't horrific back then.
You do have to be realistic about the process. There is no support for adults. It's just assess and discharge. So think whether receiving a diagnosis will actually be beneficial for you in any way..

I guess for me I wonder if autism is possible because I managed to be a teacher for over 20 years, I’ve been to Uni and worked abroad. I am not saying that people with autism cannot do those things but would I not have struggled more?

I have autism. Moved abroad at 21 by myself, two degrees, a stable job in the NHS, strong academic abilities. Shit at everything social though. I did and do struggle but I have effective strategies to keep moving forward despite this.

@OddBallNumber5 I really feel for you op. It’s good that you have started meditation and that you have spoken to your gp. I totally get the anxiety of being on a fixed term contract. I am in the same situation but I’ve reached the point where I just have to face I can’t control everything that happen re my job and my health is way more important. I have also suffered from ocd and I believe I’m a little depressed but I am not on medication (totally personal decision).
I would try as possible to go to bed early a few few nights a week-being rested makes a huge difference. Focus on the now-you are doing really well, working and bringing up kids is a big accomplishment.
If at all possible exercise -it’s the biggest thing that makes a difference for me in terms of helping depression .
Try not to think of “what ifs” with your job .
I can’t say if opening up to family would help , mine are absolutely zero help or support and they wouldn’t help so talking to them really does nothing but yours might be more understanding.
Focus on the now, you are on medication (this will help ), you are doing the best you can.

I’d ask to see a different GP. Beta blockers can be really useful for the physical symptoms of panic attacks and can stop them escalating. Not suitable for everyone though.

Hi OP I don't know if this would work but I am looking to purchase liposomal magnesium for my son who is on the spectrum and for myself as my sleep is non existent and anxiety / stress are constantly in my mind. Apparently it's very effective at calming down anxiety. Please don't stress about your job. What is yours will always be yours, what isn't meant to be, even if it is in the palm of your hand, you won't be able to keep or snatch it for yourself. Let it go from your mind and take each day as it comes. I wish you well xxxx

I refused propanolol as I was scared I'd be stuck on it (yes, very stupid of me, probably). I got referred to something called silver cloud, which was an online platform that took you through how anxiety cycles and how to implement various strategies against it. I actually found the mechanical side of it helpful. I had a few cbt sessions as well. They were somewhat helpful. Helped me unpick things and gave new perspective.

The thing that has helped me the most was getting into the mechanics of mine. I know what sort of things trigger it and whether worry is an anxiety response or a genuine worry. This allows me to cope- it may not work for you. Also be really kind to yourself because I'm sure living with GAD has been awful for me physically and my next project is to get me back on track.