To ask about anxiety?

[CinnamonVanilla]

Do you think there is a 'normal' level of healthy anxiety; or would you see any level of anxiety as normal?

My parents died as a kid; and I got PTSD; and then severe anxiety. It was treated with a lot of therapy and meds. Six years ago; it came back - again, I had extensive therapy, 160mg of Propanolol a day, and some other side tablets to help me get a handle on things. In the end; it was the meds combined with finding a way to have a low stress lifestyle and massively prioritising exercise, socialising and sleeping that helped, I think.

I'm feeling anxious now. I've just had a pretty reasonable email from a colleague with some work questions in it - she didn't think I'd see it now; long story - and my heart is racing. I feel attacked. I'm waking up at 3am every morning and I've got awful aphasia. I'm crying, unprompted, about twice a day since Wednesday and my mind is always racing. I can't turn it off.

Normal if you're having a tough time? Or is this too much; again?

Thanks

To your first question, yes. Some anxiety is normal. You can see the downside to zero anxiety in people who are medicated. Zero anxiety can make the entire world seem very "grey" and flat.

I think a level of anxiety is normal in certain situations. Everyone has worries and are nervous in certain situations.

To oversimplify, it’s like most people check they’ve locked the front door. If you’re somewhat anxious you might double check. Extreme anxiety might have you back and forth down the garden path over and over checking and rechecking it or you might not be able to leave the house at all. It’s the impact on your life that changes it from normal to disordered.

The level of anxiety you’re describing is not normal and must be absolutely exhausting

Yes, a small amount of anxiety is probably normal, but the level you've just described is not normal.

TBH, I'm not sure I really understood it until I had an anxiety attack a few years ago; I had to answer a few questions emailed from a very unpleasant colleague (voluntary role) at home. I actually struggled to open my laptop. You have my sympathy and I really think you need to see your GP again.

I had a stupid worry about posting this and couldn't bring myself to check it 

Thank you all. I'm going to make an appointment with my GP; I think.

Definitely see your GP. Beta blockers saved my life x

I too believe that a small amount of anxiety is probably normal on a day to day basis.

The response you are describing is too much even if you're having a hard time.

I’m glad you’re going to see your GP

Anxiety is awful

I can't turn it off
You meant the anxiety but sounds like this also applies to the work emails. Is there any way you can change things so you cannot see work emails at home?