What could help me? Unfounded anxiety regarding partner.

[OldGreyBoots]

Hi there, first time opening up about my mental health to strangers so hopefully I remember everything!

I think I'm suffering from anxiety. My trigger seems to be alcohol, and it mainly causes problems when my partner goes out with his friends. I worry constantly that he'll get overly drunk and cheat, that women will be flirting with him, that he'll be checking out other women or meet someone better. We don't live together but are planning to next year, our relationship is generally great and he is a lovely guy, the last person who would logically cheat.

I know my fears are irrational but that doesn't help - I'm constantly feeling so down and worried, I feel physically ill and unable to eat, upset stomach, shaking etc when I know he's going out.

I visited the doctor on Tuesday and was prescribed Propranolol 40mg up to 3 times a day, but this seems to be for the physical panicky symptoms rather than the underlying dread and continual anxiety. Could these help given time? I have another appointment in four weeks and I'm not sure if I should be asking for something specific or if that would seem presumptuous.

Thank you so much for reading, any advice is much appreciated.

Can you afford therapy? If so have a look at the BACP web site for a counsellor in your area.
If you can't ask your GP for a referral.

I have Generalised Anxiety and being left by my partner is a regular anxiety of mine. I was referred to CBT and have uncovered that underneath most of my issues and my constant fear of bad things happening are major self esteem issues. I would think up irrational scenarios in my head and then convince myself they were true. Obviously everyone is different but I would encourage you to seek some sort of talking therapy as well as medication to get to the root of why your mind takes you to irrational places.
CBT specifically has really helped me as it challenges you to view situations differently rather than to just default to your usual worries. It takes time and work but is worth it.
I also took propanol for a while as well as antidepressants for 6 years but dealing with the root cause of the issues is what's needed.