New anxiety sufferer- what do I do?

[HeyHeyMckenzie]

I'm going through cycles of an impending sense of doom that is leaving me on edge, constantly- no specific reason for there to be anything to worry about other than regular single working mum of 3 life stuff. I think what I'm experiencing is anxiety. I can't think logically very clearly, any decision makes me feel a bit shit because I cant think properly and I feel like the world is caving in around me. I just don't feel like I can cope with the world very well at the moment and I want to hide away from everyone and everything.

I probably need to focus on getting more sleep and eating better. But can anyone just reassure me that I'm not a total failure?
I am scared of letting people down which is making me take on more than I can cope with- I'm by no means overstretched but simply havent got the mental headspace to deal with meeting anyone else's expectations at the moment.

It's come on quite quickly, I was happy as Larry at the weekend.

Just need of a bit of general reassurance I think! Please?

Yep! That’s anxiety!
The first thing you need to do us learn to say ‘no’ - no need for excuses, just no. IF it’s a struggle say you’ll get back to them and then text them ‘sorry, can’t make it/commit to that’
Then you need time out for you - difficult when you’re parenting alone, but meditate, read, even just sit there in silence.
And go to bed at a reasonable time - tiredness exacerbates my stress levels.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help. It took me 6 years for it all to collapse around me and 7 weeks off work and a CBT course to realise I am important too!
And keep reminding yourself what a great job you are doing, that it will be ok, and in every situation so far you have 100% survival rate!
And we believe in you

And take time to check in with yourself - as yourself how you feel, why anything is stressing you, what you can do if anything and if nothing how you are going to react differently to lower your stress (sounds daft but works for me - be your own best mate)

Thanks Foslady. Sorry you've experienced this too .

One thing that doesn't help is my best friend- I love her hugely but for her, going out on the razz makes her feel better. She thinks I just need a good night out to cheer me up- I'm less of an extrovert than her though and I don't know how to tell her I just want to chill on my sofa and be alone! I really need it! I don't want to meet up for coffee, I don't want to go out for early 241 cocktails at our favourite place, I don't want to get some of the girls together for a big night out :( I just want to be left alone. I know she means well.

What Foslady says and make an appointment with your GP to get some help whether it's medication CBT or counselling. Don't think you have to struggle and try and cope alone. Best wishes x