Posting for traffic, struggling with what I assume is anxiety

[LynnAnneBenfield]

I'm a very anxious person, I always have been and I've always found something to worry about, I've suffered with panic attacks and health anxiety in the past

I'm really struggling this last few days, I've felt like I've been dealing with everything ok, I've only been out to the shop once in the last week and have been staying at home with my DC

I work part time in care for vulnerable children, I should be doing overtime this next week or so but I can't bare to, I have to go into work next week for my regular shift and o think that's what playing on my mind

Whenever I'm anxious I'm always really aware of my throat, feels like someone is strangling me or pushing on my wind pipe, I've never had it diagnosed but it's obviously an anxiety thing, for the last few days my throat has been tight, my chest has been really tight, my jaw is aching and I have head ache and it's just getting worse! I know logically I'm obviously feeling stressed and am physically tense/clenching my jaw without realising etc

I can't seem to calm it down and I know this sounds stupid but I almost feel like I need to have a panic attack to reset myself but I can't do that either, like when you're ill and your sick and you feel loads better, i don't seem to be able to go either way out of it though and I'm just working myself up about it more and more! I can't relax I feel so stuck

Is anyone else operating on a constant low/medium level of anxious?

I don't even know why I'm posting really, I know the worlds gone to shit and I'm in a far better position than a lot of people and I feel stupid for even posting really but I just feel stuck!

I have had periods of this. Distraction and exercise are the things that work best for me. If you can find something you get completely absorbed in it helps, and really exhausting exercise or tasks dissipate the physical tension.
The world hasn't gone to shit, plenty of nice things are still there.

You’re not at all stupid for posting. I know exactly what you mean about that constant background anxiety. It can be hard to overcome but there are things that will help. Have you tried meditation / breathing exercises? I often find it hard to relax enough to actually do them when I’m feeling really anxious, but I know when I do they make a big difference. I think headspace has some free content at the moment which you might find useful. Talking to others often helps too- either in real life or on here. It’s hard; be kind to yourself.

Had this everyday this week, feel like my throats burning and closing then it will go or
Feel my headache pounding and like I’m in another world but then feel okay once it settled I’ve had the shakes the lot. Think it’s the stress and the not knowing of everything going on, I’m at home with 2 young children but DP still has to go to work (even though his work is non-essential or face no pay) and I’m trying my best to antibacterial everything and clean but every time I know he’s due home my anxiety levels rise and I feel a panic attack coming on wondering whether he’s bringing anything home to the kids ... it’s awful to feel like this right now! As a mother you feel you need to be strong and brave right now for them but inside I’m slowly breaking down .. stay safe stay strong OP

I feel exactly the same. My throat is tight and my back and chest hurt. I’m holding my breath a lot and my shoulders are hunched. I’m trying to stay calm.

It's called globus hystericus and is a well known symptom of anxiety.

It won’t last. I’ve had this. Have you been given breathing techniques? What has your counsellor suggested?

I think I'm just literally tense, it feels like my whole upper body's muscles are tense all the time but I don't know how to untense them! I feel like I'm turning to stone and I keep trying to stretch my chest out, get a proper lung full of air but I can't.

I have tried meditation and it does work when I'm in a normal state but when I'm feeling like this I can't do it because if I concentrate on my breathing it makes it worse iyswim

I've basically felt like I'm in the beginning stages of a panic attack for days, I think I need to release it but it's almost like I'm so tense and scared I can't let it out yet, like when people are quite calm through a crisis and then they breakdown once it's over!

I've drank too much coffee today too which is definitely making me feel worse right now!