What does anxiety feel like?

[losingmymindiam]

I have never been to docs or diagnosed with any mental health issue before. I feel on edge all the time, I find my life with two boys stressful with the noise and fighting etc. I feel ‘antsy’ sometimes. Sometimes the smallest thing pushes me to tears but then often I bounce back quickly. I am at a low point at the moment with no job but looking hard, and too much time to think. I spend a lot of the time my children are out wishing they were here and worrying about them and then when they are here I avoid them! Is this something or just normal life as a parent?!

Firstly, . Sounds like anxiety to me and possibly also very mild depression (anxiety and depression are linked) or something which could potentially turn into depression. If you're feeling anxious, your thoughts lean towards the negative. However, please don't see this as a catastrophe, these symptoms are extremely common, probably half of MN will recognise them.
When did you start feeling like this? It sounds like it's something new to you. I'm not sure what to advise, maybe see you GP?, but I'd say forgive yourself for feeling like this. Being responsible for kids is at times overwhelming for lots of us. Hopefully other posters will have better suggestions than me.

Also, you were posting before 5am. Are you having trouble staying asleep? That it quite a classic symptom. I would see you GP.

Thanks for your reply - I’m abroad so different time zone! Sometimes have trouble sleeping because of racing thoughts but put that down to stress. Not sure about depression as I don’t feel unhappy and able to have fun etc. Don’t often feel negative but often stressed at smallest things, and quick tempered as if it is hard to cope! But I also think my children are very full on and demanding so hard to cope with!