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Don't want to feel anxious anymore

6 replies

dogisawrecker · 23/11/2021 13:17

I was prescribed fluoxetine about a year ago for depression. I'd experienced some really hard life events in the six months previous related to the pandemic and it all got too much. The medication helped me to feel better and more able to cope with daily life again, which was great. I started seeing a counsellor last month, but only had three sessions with him before he unexpectedly had to go off sick. I don't know when I'll be able to see him again.
As I said, the medication was for depression, but in the last four months or so I've begun to feel quite anxious. I think it's related to other people's expectations of me and the fear that I can't meet them. Part of that is connected to knowing my mental health isn't in top condition anyway, and because I've recently started a new job and a masters. I sometimes get panicky at work because I feel like I'm doing everything wrong and I'm letting my managers down or I'm going to get into trouble. On one occasion I was overwhelmed close to tears and had to take a few minutes out to calm down. With my masters I feel like I'm not doing enough work and that my lecturers will be cross with me. I get panicky before meeting with my supervisor and feel under such pressure to come up with good points in the meetings, when actually I feel pretty clueless as I'm just starting out!
Life just feels overwhelming at times and I feel like I just have to keep going. I'm the sort of person who takes pride in doing things well and I'm often seen by others as "the responsible one", so to be having issues managing things is doubly hard! Don't feel I really have anyone to talk to (apart from the counsellor whenever he's better, who I really like from the few sessions I've had with him). Not sure what to do, just know how I'm feeling isn't sustainable long term.

OP posts:
Blueeyedgirl21 · 23/11/2021 13:37

Through your uni can you access support ? If nothing else it can help with your anxiety around your studies. Normally some free counseling will be available. Google your uni name plus student welfare or student wellbeing. I’ve found them helpful in the past.

dogisawrecker · 23/11/2021 22:06

yes I maybe should contact someone at my uni. The anxiety is making me think about dropping out (I won't, but it's a thought that I've had). I am enjoying my course but at the same time I worry that I'm behind or not working hard enough.

OP posts:
dogisawrecker · 23/11/2021 22:13

Also wondering if I should speak to the GP again regarding medication? Is there anything they could do about the anxiety? I am on a low-medium ish dose of fluoxetine and it helps with the depression but I don't want to overmedicate or something and then not feel anything!

OP posts:
MizzFizz · 23/11/2021 22:17

A lot of depression meds also treat anxiety so worth a chat with your GP.

It sounds like you're being hard on yourself - you sound like you're doing amazingly well - new job and a master's degree! At night, perhaps try and practice saying 3 nice things about yourself, things you accomplished or tried hard at, speaking to yourself from a kind/best-friend voice, if that makes sense. It can be very calming to shut off the inner critic voice and listen to some kind inner thoughts instead.

I would recommend trying to find a counselor to speak to, if yours is gone indefinitely...

mineofuselessinformation · 23/11/2021 22:22

Fluoxetine can help with anxiety too. You should discuss increasing your dose with your GP.
IME, and that of my DM and one of my DCs, you get prescribed the lowest dose to start with, but it doesn't suit everyone. Thanks

Ridiculousradish · 23/11/2021 22:29

The only thing that has ever sorted my anxiety was 5htp. Pretty sure you can't take it with antidepressants though

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