Is this anxiety perimeno, or something else

[Bobsyauncle]

I'm really struggling with anxiety. Terrible when I wake up first thing but does ease off during the morning. I sleep fine

I have a tendency to dwell on things and live in the past a bit and this is getting worse.
I have 4 DC. One adult
2 secondary age.
Youngest leaves primary this summer and I'm finding this very,very difficult to come to terms with. (Please be kind about this and dont say i should be grateful he is healthy etc.)
I feel like bursting into tears all of the time. I was the same with the others but it was never the last time.

I struggle massively with driving too. This is not a new thing and I'm a very limited and inexperienced driver anyway.
I find any excuse in the book to avoid driving.
Eldest dd needs to go somewhere 30 odd miles away this week. I could drive as I'm off work but I never drive more than about 10 miles on a trip so this is way out of my comfort zone.
No one would guess im feeling like this as I hide it well, but inwardly I'm finding everything so difficult.
I'm trying to self medicate with propranolol.
I've spoken to GP who suggested low dose of sertraline maybe. But im thinking do I need HRT.
I dont if its general anxiety or stress or hormonal.

Btw long term poster. Name change

HRT is safe and could help

I remember feeling like I was losing my mind before I went on it

Go and have a chat with your gp, if you’re in the likely age for periomenopause then start there and see if the anxiety lessens

Whatever happens you DONT have to feel like this. Don’t stop until you feel “you” again

Thanks
I dont have an issue with HRT if I need it. Just unsure what the reason is with how I'm feeling.
I'm ok most of the time. Happy at home
Have fun days out etc. But this under lying feeling.
Half of me thinks get a grip. Sort the driving. Get over the end of an era school thing, but I cant. Some days I'm more positive, but it's like, its still there, nagging me. Turning my stomach.

I’d start with speaking to a gp that has experience with HRT to see if all your symptoms tick that box and that may help

Meantime I have used rescue remedy for agoraphobia a few years ago and I think that helped

For me antidepressants are not the answer so it would be a last resort kind of thing, but from what you described menopause could very likely a good start point to fixing this.

I use RR already!a bit too much I think. Not sure how much it works,maybe psychologically.
I dont need anti depressants I agree.
I'm not depressed.
In fact, most if the time I'm bubbly and happy and certainly no one would know how I am feeling. DH probably just thinks I'm in a bad mood, which i am some if the time.
I just have the awful anxiety, coming and going. Especially on waking.
Then certain things, like the driving and particularly my DC leaving school that make me feel so tearful.
I'm sure I am perimenopausal due to my age(50) but then I'm thinking is the stressful things (stressful to me)that are looming making me feel like this. And if Dc wasnt leaving school would I feel ok?!
Its difficult to know the difference
Even if I was 30 I would have still been devastated over the school thing!!
Driving is a huge issue and I'm wondering whether I should avoid until I feel better or push through?
I learnt to drive as a very mature student and have been very limited since I passed my test. I was hoping to overcome my limits but that doesn't seem likely. I dont need to drive today and the relief is enormous. Not that I actually go anywhere of any use anyway. It's all very small journeys, school , shops, park. All local.

I dont have any other Menopause symptoms
Periods are generally ok. I did miss a couple start of the year first time ever.

Is anxiety something you ever struggled with 10 yrs ago?
Did you ever feel confident driving 30 miles?

It does sound strange you're besieged with anxiety now, when you can't really point at anything more disruptive than a child leaving primary school, as reason.

@lljkk
I wouldn't say I've ever been anxious as such. Maybe a bit stress. Highly strung I suppose.
I'm overall confident, but I would be anxious/ nervous in certain situations. Public speaking etc. But I suppose most people are.
I'm very emotional and things like the Dcs growing up and leaving school have always affected me. I love being a mum and I think I hate the thought of all that slipping away!maudlin I know

I do have a good job and I'm sociable
Like going out, things like that. I dont have any social.anxiety.
My life is good on balance

Driving, well no, I have never driven more than 10-15 miles each way.
I only learnt to drive a few hrs ago. I found the whole experience highly stressful. Didn't drive for quite awhile after passing and I've only had my car about 2 yrs.
Looking back, I probably learnt to drive at the wrong time in my life.

And it isnt just a child leaving primary school I think, that's affecting me. It's because it's my last child. Sob.
I dont just feel sad. I'm bereft.

Has anyone else got any thoughts please?