Is it normal to always feel like this?

[yellowcracker]

Hello,

Posted a couple of times but NC as I'm feeling abit rubbish.

I work as a carer in the community, have done for a few years. Love it. It really is a great job. However I worry SO much...about everything that it's started to become un bearable. It's getting worse. I constantly worry if I've done certain things, if I've forgotten to do something. I check what I'm doing on the job over and over. It's getting to the point where I'm sat at home worrying if I have left a customers oven on and their house is going to catch fire (crazy I know), that I've not locked their door and someone will get into their house, I've not given them their medication, I've not checked they have a lifeline on so if they fall they won't be found till the next call. But I know everything is okay as I would of checked a million times when I was there but I have this horrible worried feeling all the time that makes me doubt myself. it makes me not sleep at night.

I'm good at my job, I care a lot and make sure that the people I care for are getting the best care I can possibly give them. But this constant feeling of worrying about every little thing is driving my crazy :(

I don't think this is normal and I don't know what to do?

Hugs. It sounds like anxiety to me, or OCD (I've had the former - don't know so much about the latter, although a friend had it and it sounded a bit like what you describe). I would make an appointment to see your GP as no, you shouldn't have to feel like this, and it is treatable.

PS - good on you for doing a fantastic job!

Thank you for the reply! I think I will make a gp appointment, it's really starting to make me feel ill! I just feel stupid that I think about these things.

Don't feel stupid - loads and loads of people go through exactly this sort of thing. Between now and the GP appointment, remind yourself that although you are worrying about things, you don't need to worry about the fact you are worrying (been there, done that!).

How old are you? Could it be menopausal, that is often when anxiety seems to take hold!

Could you have a notebook and make a checklist for each client and date and tick. So then when anxiety hits you can look at that. At least until you get to see doctor. You sound like a lovely carer and l especially love that you like your job. That makes you an extra good carer.

You have a very worthwhile and responsible job, it’s no wonder that you worry and I am sure you are completely thorough in everything you do, good idea to talk to GP as it sounds as if you are suffering with anxiety and that could definitely be treated, don’t carry on feeling like this without some support. Hugs

No, it's not normal..I think it's a form of OCD. I have it too. I once had to get DH to drive me to the house of the lady I clean for at 11:30 at night (she was away) because I became worried that I had accidentally switched her cooker on...if she is out when I finish cleaning I have to check and recheck the switches, taps etc..I've stood and checked that I locked the front door 10 times, walked a few steps and had to go back and check again..I've done all that and then got DH to check, then five minutes later had to ask him repeatedly if the door was locked.The thoughts are not reality, but they are very insidious. Please go and seek help, it is out there. Big hugs.

I mean check that I locked HER door, not mine..I never get this in my own home, only when I have responsibility for someone elses.

Thank you for all your replies it's such a draining feeling. I'm only 23! We have really good care plans in place for our customers, like a checklist so I go through that when I'm there over and over. I know I've done everything I'm suppose to of done and feel confident when I leave as I've checked so many times. Then when I'm at home that dreaded feeling comes over me.

I've done the exact same where I have had to go back to a customers house and check, it's a horrible feeling isn't it. It's hard to explain to other people who don't feel the way I do, they just tell me not to stress so much (easier said then done!).

I was so upset tonight over worrying I have even contemplated leaving and finding a job that doesn't involve worry like this but I've done this since I was 18 and I mean it when I say how much I love it.

Not to drip feed but I've just returned to work from mat leave little girl is only 7 months. I may have been overly anxious because of that but then I have always felt this way. As another poster said I mainly get these feelings when I have responsibility for someone else.

Thank you so much for replying to me, although I hate to think other people feel the way I do it's nice to know I'm not alone. I was starting to feel a little bit mad. X