To text an anxiety helpline when I’m neither alone nor suicidal

[Pinkchocolate]

I suffer with anxiety and PTSD and am on the (very long) waiting list for therapy. I live next to a vile man who is due to be evicted next week. Tonight he’s having a party and my anxiety is through the roof. I haven’t slept for a few days and I’m really struggling tonight. I’m just so so scared of...... a million things. Would IBU to text a helpline when I’m not suicidal or alone? I have a wonderful husband here but he doesn’t know how to help me. Would I be overreacting to text a help line?

Text them! It's better to get help before you are at the edge.

Of course you wouldn’t! Reaching out is a huge part of getting better and they’d love for you to make contact now! 💐

Text them. It’s ok

YANBU and hope party finishes soon.

I get you op and please do ask for help.

By the way BBC Sounds have Cabin Pressure (radio comedy) at the moment - that helped me hugely when I was really struggling to sleep, I could have it on and cuddle my husband so even if I didn’t sleep I still had a nice rest.

Can we distract you while you wait for a reply? Is there anything you are into we could chat about?

I watch old bake off reruns

Text them or if a chat would help, call Samaritans.

That’s exactly what they are there for and will be glad to help. I hope you feel better soon anxiety is a bitch xx

It's your anxiety trying to sabotage you doing something positive about your anxiety.

When I was a young teenager ideas diagnosed with depression and then generalised anxiety disorder. I learnt one way to cope with depression was to give mine a name. Like, maybe Bob or Dave etc. Then talking about it something felt less awkward, and could even make me laugh a bit. I could lay into 'Bob' and vocalise my disgust at him trying to ruin my day/ week/ whatever.

You could give your anxiety a name. Then say out loud what you'd like it to do and tell it just what you think of it.

If it doesn't help, never mind, it just used to help me to separate it from me so I didn't feel it was me, if you see what I mean.

Text the helpline. They're there for you.

31.media.tumblr.com/b1406ea40336dc68e5404b380c391d96/tumblr_nsj9tcMOgY1qkv5xlo1_500.gif

Also I find this gif helps and a warm bubble bath in lavander x

Thank you all, I’ll look at BBC Sound. I just don’t even know what I’d say.... I’m a 40 something woman with a good job and a healthy family but I just can’t shake off this awful feeling that something bad is about to happen. It's taken over my life but there’s no justification for it. It sounds so stupid and ungrateful.

Definitely. Seeking help sooner can stop you ending up more desperate. Wishing you peace and hope.

(The shipping forecast is my latest can't-sleep support... Worth a try?)

@SeasideMaiden I like that idea. Thank you

@Slothkin ds has anxiety and loves cabin pressure if he is struggling to sleep.

I have terrible anxiety. Try putting some "anxiety relief" videos on YouTube, they don't cure you but they certainly help especially when struggling to sleep. Try closing your eyes and thinking of 5 things you can hear, 5 things you can touch (can't remember the others but google should help). Not much other advice as lying awake with terrible anxiety just now myself but thinking of you and hope it gets better soon ❤️

Not unreasonable at all. After all, that is why it’s there. ( Not being flippant if it sounds that way). I hope you call and that they are able to help. I’m sure they will be. Not a misuse at all. Take care from a fellow sufferer! 💐