Anxiety, need to go shopping but scared

[SummerMelody]

Hi everyone. I have recently been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder. The best way I can describe it is that I feel as though I have a constant 'free-floating' anxiety that is just there, and it latches on to things. It will latch on to something which I will then feel sick with worry about for about a week, and then latch on to something else. The hardest part sometimes is not knowing what it's going to latch on to next. I have a constant feeling that something is going to go wrong.

Anyway, today, I need to go into town to do some last minute shopping. I only need a few things so I shouldn't be long, but I do need to go. After seeing the devastating news in Glasgow, I am now terrified of going into town. I feel sick. I'm worried that something will happen. There are so many things on the news lately, and we are constantly being told to 'be aware', and I just feel sick.

I need to go he to town. Firstly, to get the things I need to get. But secondly, and possibly most importantly, I'm worried that if I don't, I'll be on a downward spiral to never going anywhere because I'm too scared.

I think I'm just wondering whether anyone has any advice? I want to ask if I should go into town, if it's save enough, but I know I shouldn't ask questions like that, it just feeds the anxiety.

Also, I should mention, I'm on the waiting list for counselling, but it's taking a while!

Well done to both of you .

This is the reason that I am queen of internet shopping - needs must!

But it does get better, and I have amazed myself with what I have managed to navigate this year.

Counselling has helped me so much, also finding things that help me to relax (pilates, massage, reading, walking). When I was really bad recently, GP prescribed beta-blockers, which did seem to help with the physical symptoms. Also some deep breathing (breathe in for count of 4, hold breath for count of 16 and breathe out for count of 8). I can only do the 16 if I am sitting down and counting quickly, mind.

Well done Summer, you are braver than me, I went out in the car today as dh had to drop a gift off to a customer in town, we then took the dd's too mcdonalds, dd2 asked me to go and buy some orange juice, we were parked near a supermarket but I couldn't face going in so drive home and went to the local corner shop instead. My anxiety is about germs and picking up illness, plus I hate busy shops this time of year ( makes me panic ).

You did really well xxxx

Had to go out again as bloody Xmas tree lights broken. It was actually much easier than earlier- probably because I decided to just go for it rather than sit around putting it off.

Marne are you getting any help/ support? Although I had a wobble today I'm actually so so much better than I have been for the last few years. This time two years ago i literally only left the house for work (which was a struggle) or to drive to the corner shop. Wouldn't even of considered the supermarket- on a really good day I might get in to tesco express! I found CBT really really helpful (even though with hindsight the therapist was a bit dodgy..), could you ask your GP about access to some sort of therapy? If you've not already please do speak to your GP. Speaking from bitter experience, the longer you leave it and the more you avoid the harder it is to claw your way back.

Irish I agree completely. I left it years and wish now I'd sorted it sooner. It's been a long process to get here. The get self help website is excellent, and my counsellor is really good but it's taking lots to sort out.

I have had CBT and hypnotherapy, my last therapist decided I am probably on the autistic spectrum ( as both my dd's have ASD ) and said CBT probably won't help , I can cope reasonably well during the summer months but during the winter I worry about getting ill ( so I tend to stay in more ), I go shopping early in the morning or at night, if I pull into the car park and it's really busy I will drive to another supermarket.