Anxiety sufferers...how do you cope?

[Afternooninthepark]

Every day I feel as though I am swimming through a pool of treacle with concrete boots on and only just about holding onto my sanity by the skin of my teeth.
I have always been an anxious person but the last few years have been really bad and I am getting to the point where I honestly feel as though I am going to go insane soon!
I have so many physical symptoms from the anxiety (IBS/sensitive tum/indigestion/nausea, headaches, light headed at times, jaw aches, muscle tension/aches all over, feel weak and shaky (the list goes on 🙄) I am stuck in a vicious cycle of anxiety, physical symptoms, anxiety and then depression from the weight of it all, but outwardly I put a smile on my face and everyone thinks I’m ok.
None of this is helped by the fact my ds(13) at times has school anxiety/refusal and my mum has Alzheimer’s and dad isn’t coping well with her diagnosis. I know we all have our burdens but I honestly feel like a ton weight is on me at times!
I’m 46 so maybe my age may be contributing (perimenopause?) but I have tried so, so many things and nothing is helping, so far I have tried

Exercise - I walk for an hour every day with my dog
I am careful with my diet as I have IBS I don’t eat too much crap, no coffee, no alcohol etc
No drugs or other stimulants
I have had various counselling sessions and last year 3 months of CBT, none of that helped me
I listen to a relaxation/hypnotherapy app each day

My gp keeps offering me antidepressants the current one being Sertraline but I am absolutely petrified to take them, I just can not have any more physical symptoms (I am a PA for a disabled lady and drive a lot), the thought of having a bad stomach or feeling dizzy or having headaches from the side effects just exacerbates the anxiety (so, so stupid I know, just can not rationalise atm!!)

I just don’t know what else to do?
Any advice? What has helped you get through or just cope better with all consuming anxiety?
Apologies for the long ramblings but am hoping some fellow anxiety sufferers may see this post and can offer some advice which I might have overlooked in my quest for a peaceful mind 😊

I find mindfulness and visualisation quite helpful for ruminating thoughts.

So for example I imagine thoughts going balloons and flying off, you can even name the balloon for the topic of worry - e.g. 'money'

I also use colour in breathing so breathe in red and out blue

Or imagine yourself in a calm place e.g a forest or beach- you can probably get guided visualisations as well.

Fluoxetine/ Prozac. Honestly. It works. I soldiered on for years before I "gave in" and took the tablets. Years where I could have been so much better. I was a fool. I wouldn't hesitate in future.

And yes I know what you mean about SSRIs, I was on them and they made me feel more anxious and was difficult to come off them too.

I now take St Johns wort (Kira) and that helps a bit.

Hi all just been reading through these for some reassurance. I have just restarted citalopram after 6 months off it because the anxiety came crashing back. I’ve having a tough time as it’s increasing my anxiety big time - anyone else have this and how did you cope? How quickly did it go away? Just positive messages please - I don’t need to hear about drugs not working at the moment as I feel quite panicky about that. Thanks heaps

Sertraline. I take 50mg and like you, put it off for over a year. I’m grateful for it daily as it’s absolutely changed my life.

The side effects were tough initially but I don’t have any at all now. I really believe my anxiety is down to chemical imbalances- I tried so much therapy, cbt, diet to tackle it previously with no effect.
Good luck OP

@Windywel

I started citalopram with 10mg(halve a 20mg tablet) for week or so & then increase to 20mg as this seems to reduce the increased anxiety, sweaty palm dry mouth, side effects I struggle with. Sometimes taking at night can be better than morning.

Thanks. I’m only on 10 and still got the terrible anxiety! I really hope it starts to ease soon 😔

FGS try the meds. Any side effects will only be temporary. You deserve to be well. Severe and chronic anxiety was ruining my life until I saw a psychiatrist and got on the right tablets. It was quite literally disabling prior to that. If you were diagnosed with heart disease you would take the medication. Mental illness is as real as physical.
I'm also 46 and noticing a deterioration with mood swings and depression thrown in.
I made my GP refer me to a gynaecologist. I'm now on the waiting list for a hysterectomy and have discussed the right HRT to start afterwards. Peri menopause has been awful for me so I decided to be proactive. I refuse to suffer if it's unnecessary!

How did you wean off them ? X