Have I got anxiety or not?

[Sparklfairy]

Not a taat but having read about people's experiences of anxiety and also peoples perceptions of anxiety... I'd be interested to know what the MN anxiety rating of myself is, and for you to post your own if you're able

Any typos are my phones fault and I am not anxious about looking stupid

True (ish) example: I work for myself in a high powered role, one that is responsible for several other people, the money is good, the hours are semi flexible etc

Reality: I like having flexible working for pretty good pay, but the responsibility terrifies me. I wake up stressed every morning, struggling to breathe, sweaty palms, vacant when someone speaks to me. Even when I feel I'm on top of things, I start to panic about things that won't ever even happen. These episodes will last for around an hour and then I'm calm enough to start again, but when they're at full pelt all I want to do is curl up in bed with the curtains drawn and shut everyone out

Anyone else care to share their experiences? Or have I just put myself way out there with tumbleweed?

(Not a new user, cancel the cheque, penguin bollards etc)

You certainly have symptoms of anxiety.

Yeah. You might have imposters syndrome but even if that doesn't sound like you I'd say those were some pretty strong indications of anxiety. I know that when work stresses me out my mind goes blank and I lose the ability to prioritise.

Hi OP - it’s brave of you to post and have the foresight to see that you are clearly not “firing on all cylinders” at the moment.

Have these feelings been recent? As in, have you managed this level of pressure before and dealt with it differently?

No one on this site will be able to definitively diagnose you with anything as you know, merely share our own experiences so I would recommend making an appointment with HCP.

I have been treated for anxiety since 2015. Mine manifests itself in a social way. I go to work, go home and don’t like being around people at all. (I live alone and don’t have anyone to “assist” me) I’ll go to the supermarket as soon as it opens or just before it closes so that it’s not busy (but most of the time I’ll buy online to avoid having to go out).

My panic attacks started 2 years ago. I hyperventilate. Since being medicated (Citalopram has given me back a lot) I don’t have them and I can also integrate with society (although, perversely, now I choose not to).

It sounds like you are having panic attacks too, but I am not a doctor.

Make an appointment as soon as you can. If it is anxiety, the good news is that you DONT have to feel like this. This isn’t the end, just the beginning

Your op could have been written about me. I don't consider I have anxiety though, I'm just out of my comfort zone but as I do then soldier on I figure at some point it will get better and I'll cope with it all better.

are you like this not in work?
is it stress rather than anxiety?

It sounds like anxiety to me. I suffer from severe anxiety and that would be a good day for me. Everyone has a level of anxiety. It keeps us alive! However sometimes it builds up and impinges on our lives or fucking ruins it

I am in no position to say how anxious you are but you sound like you maybe need to reflect on what it is that is making you anxious and things you can do to combat it.

Simple things to try are exercise and meditation. Looking at your diet and cutting out caffeine and alcohol (I know, right!).can make a difference.

Can you find a way to reduce your workload - employ an assistant? Cleaner at home?

See how you get on and if you are still struggling then see your gp and see what they suggest.

Don't for God sake do what I did. It broke me and ten years later I'm still broken.

That certainly looks like anxiety to me. Have you seen your GP?

I was the same in my job. Was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (funny as my job required me to stand in front of 60+ people a day talking!), depression and then bipolar!

It's no big deal. It's so common. Get to your GP you'll end up feeling so much better. I wish I hadn't suffered for years.

Get to your GP you'll end up feeling so much better. I wish I hadn't suffered for years.

This so, so much.