What helps your anxiety? trying to avoid selling my house because of anxiety about being in it

[calculatorsatdawn]

I've always had anxiety problems and I'm currently going through the worst patch of anxiety I've ever experienced. It usually manifests itself in me getting anxious about work but this time it's all about my house to the point where I haven't been in it for weeks and want to put it on the market.

Objectivly this is a stupid idea and I need to sort out my anxiety issues rather than selling the house. The problems are two fold

1 - I have general anxiety which builds up and leads to depression. I used to take Citalopram but come off it a few months ago after a round of CBT and things seemingly getting better.

2 - I have a fear of spiders. I have lived in the house for a year whilst doing it up and have encountered 4 in that time. The first two bothered me but I was able to deal with them, but the other two have been since I've been off citalopram and my anxiety has ramped up again. They have gone because DP came over and killed them but I have now pretty much moved out out of fear of finding more and not being able to cope again.

I have an appointment tonight to go back on citalopram (I get on well with it so I'm glad) and an appointment with a mental health nurse to deal with the phobia. Whilst I'm pleased that I have taken proper steps to deal with it I could do with some advice around other things I can do to

1- deal with my general anxiety
2- deal with the specific anxiety around being in my house

suggestions?

Are the spiders the only problem with the house? If so, then brilliant because that is not a reason to sell.

Spiders go in every house. I know that may not be what you want to hear but it is true. 4 in a year is actually an incredibly low amount, so it sounds like you may be in the house for you. I am sure going back on the citalopram will help with the phobia. The belief that you'll cope if you see one is key - it may be unpleasant for a short time, but you will be able to deal with it, and every time you do will give you confidence for the next time. Whereas avoiding the house is reinforcing your belief that you couldn't cope.

I've had a few spidergeddons in my time and I'm still here, ready to tackle the next with a glass and postcard! September isn't the best time re spiders, so if you think that will be a major problem you could delay returning, but I would try to pluck up the courage. Could your DP stay over a few nights to help you feel at home? Perhaps you could plan some activities associated with relaxing and re-assert your right to enjoy the house...bath, dvds etc. You will cope, and the fear will lessen. I'm not trying to minimise the fear you feel and how bad things are, just to say that you can conquer this. Hope the treatment is helpful.