Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

What is wrong with me?

4 replies

swimster01 · 02/04/2018 18:14

Thank you for looking at my thread ...

I have started to become very anxious about certain things and at an increasing rate. I have had several stressful life events to deal with which may have taken their toll and so some of the anxiety I feel can be traced back to that e.g. a neighbour dispute has made me very anxious about anything to do with houses.

However, now I feel the anxiety is becoming more generalised e.g. it is creeping into other areas of my life. So, as an example, someone overseas owed me a refund and needed a copy of my bank account and passport to make the refund. It took a little longer than expected for the money to come back, meanwhile I was fretting that my ID had been stolen, started to get copies of my credit reports, changed all my passwords etc. The money has been returned now and that is well but it is a symptom of what I am feeling.

I feel that when I am worried about something, my mind circles and when I convince myself something is OK about my thought process and that I am just being silly, my mind just continues and tells me 'but did you think about that issue' and then so it continues. Like a hamster wheel I can't get off and always fearing the worst and researching too much on the Internet.

This last week I have hardly been sleeping or eating and I know that for many years, I rely a little much on wine in the evenings to help me relax.

What should I do? Do I need to see a doctor?

OP posts:
JamPasty · 02/04/2018 22:26

It's always worth seeing a doctor if you are feeling unwell, be that a physical unwell, or a mental unwell. Make an appointment, tell them what you have said here, and see what they advise. In the meantime, try to eat a bit more, sleep a bit more, drink a bit less, and exercise a bit more - all good things that help with anxiety.

tinydancer88 · 02/04/2018 22:36

Definitely see the doctor. Sounds very draining for you. I hope you find some relief soon.

When my anxiety is bad I prioritise sleep above all else, as I think it can make the biggest difference. I make sure to be active during the day to wear me out physically and then have a set routine at night to help me sleep e.g. screens off, hot bath, peppermint tea in bed with a book and then fall asleep using a meditation thing from Youtube. I find I can cope much better in the day if I've slept well. Drinking seems as if it helps anxiety in the short term but can sabotage sleep and exacerbate mental health problems over time.

swimster01 · 03/04/2018 12:55

Thank you for your replies. I have been to see the doctor today and she agrees there is an issue that needs resolving. I have a prescription for Sertraline and will be looking at some counselling/therapy sessions.
Fingers crossed that starts to work ...

OP posts:
JamPasty · 03/04/2018 15:36

Excellent news! Be aware that drugs like sertraline take a few weeks to work, so don't worry if you don't feel different immediately. It is, in my experience anyway, a very effective drug once it kicks in though :)

New posts on this thread. Refresh page