When you're off work with stress...

[SimplyStruggling]

... what do you actually do, to fix it?

I'm at the stage where I think I'm becoming quite unwell lately.

I've had anxiety for a while, but some horrendous stuff has happened this year and it's affected me very badly.

I've now started having panic attacks.
The whole world is somewhat overwhelming- all I want to do is sleep.

I'm reluctant to go to the doctor's- I'm not suicidal or anything and I really feel that I don't want medication. (I'm very sensitive to things like hormones and I'm scared of my personality changing)

So- I'm back at work next week, but have this week off. How can I spend this week ensuring that I'm well enough to go back next week?

I guess it’s just being away from work that is supposed to give you one less thing to stress about, thereby hopefully lessening the overwhelming feeling? How a week is meant to make a difference when you’ve had an awful year through, I don’t know.

Perhaps try some visioning, starting a journal, planning new year resolutions, get some exercise, that type of thing, to try and set you up for a mentally and physically healthier year ahead.

That may help (or may just be another thing to add to your mental to do list and cause more problems?!)

Can you get any professional help - counselling for example if you don’t want medication, to try and help? I know how you feel - I suffer with anxiety and can’t take ADs as I come out in a rash, have tried 4 kinds. Now just having to try and deal with it myself, but it’s not easy.

for you

Thanks for the reply, raging.
I am not really sure where to start, really. I can definitely build in some exercise, that might help.

I'm not sure about counselling. It seems like something else I'd have to do, tbh.

When I went off I rested for a few days and got back into a healthy routine. I'm on medication for for anxiety and I'm switching to CBD as I felt that the medication is holding my recovery back. The medication did help me when I was at my worst though. CBD helps a lot of calm me down. Getting outside helps, I walk when I can. Have you considered counselling? I found that being completely honest with my employer helped as it turns out that a lot of people in the company have been off with stress and are also going through treatment.

I was off 4 months. Medication, therapy, saw a lot of my psychiatrist. Really if you're not willing to do anything to help yourself then I don't see the point. Just feeling a bit anxious and stressed is different from having a clinical anxiety disorder that has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Stress might be helped by eating well and exercising more but if you have a disorder then you need proper treatment and support.

I had a about 6 weeks off while recovering and waiting for meds to take effect. Combination of Citalopram, lots of exercise (weekly yoga, running, swimming and long distance walking), meditation (using headspace app among others), and therapy (CBT & compassionate therapy) was what got me through. It was hard work but worth it. I feel much better now and able to enjoy life.
Anxiety and panic are buggers but they can be defeated! Hope you feel better soon.

I have weekly therapy. Walk, take photos, colouring and look after children and household as much as able