Anxiety.

[RunningFeisty]

A little while ago l, I stopped taking my meds. They made me feel numb to everything and I didn't like it. I'd give anything to have that feeling back as now my daily anxiety levels have shot through the roof

I have a lot of stress in my life right now, I have three children one of whom has special needs (I suspect autism but he's already been tested once)

I'm finding it increasingly difficult to cope with everything going on. Currently stuck in a 2 bed flat but have viewed a private rent house and if all goes well with referencing etc it will be ours. It's going to be really difficult the first month with all fees and deposit stuff to pay. We can do it...just barely. My mind is screaming at me to cancel it and not do it but I know in the long run it will be worth it. I'm just terrified of all the things that can go wrong. A few days ago I had a panic attack for the first time in about 2 years getting myself worked up thinking about everything.

Sorry this is so long I just can't cope with everything going on. Every morning i wake up and it feels like a heavy pressure on my chest of pure panic. I'm going to call the doctors today but no idea what to even say. Feel like such a shit and inadequate person and parent.

Hopeful bump

Anyone?

Call the gp. Tell them you can't cope, have anxiety and think something awful is going to happen. Explain what you have typed here. I'm currently off work with stress. I get the anxiety and muted feeling the meds give you or that might be the depression. I'm having a jittery day myself. Distract yourself with something practical (ironing/folding clothes) or listen to a podcast - castbox app is really good. Try 'scummy mummies', 'walking the dog with Emily Dean' or 'nobody panic'.

I feel for you OP. I also suffer from anxiety and know how it can easily escalate beyond a manageable level. Please call your GP. They won't expect you to give them a super eloquent explanation. Just explain about the anxiety and panic attacks and they will help you.

I had CBT for my anxiety and it really helped. I also often have to ground myself by thinking about my 'circle of control'. If I'm worrying about something I really have to think hard about whether there's anything I can do about it (i.e. Is it within my circle of control?). If it's not I need to let it go. It's taken me years to accept this way of thinking but I'm getting there, and it does help.

Our local Depression and Anxiety service were great at helping me through things and I got an immediate referral through my GP.

Wavingwhiledrowning did you learn about the circle of control through CBT. I have just started but it sounds interesting, although clearly from your experience a long time to train yourself to use it. I learnt quickly in my job/at home to pick off one thing at a time to complete and not think about the rest. Even that strategy and other coping mechanisms (I have a son with autism) have proved inadequate so I hit crisis point and couldn't go on any more.

Very scary phonecall to gp and then waiting all day for them to return my call. No idea how I got through it but I did. Left with the aftermath, after effects now. I get you OP completely. Do you have to work or are you off sick?

@Tealslate - the circle of control built on some of the CBT principles I learnt (a lot of that was focused on my worries and trying to rationalise some of them), but the actual 'model' came from a Mindfulness course I went on at work (would also recommend mindfulness actually). This Web page explains it nicely, but Google will come up with loads of info:
www.habitsforwellbeing.com/the-circle-of-concern-and-influence/

Thanks @wavingwhiledrowning. I will look at that. Hope OP is ok. Have you spoken to the gp @Runningfeisty.

Hi I'm at the doctors now waiting to be seen. I phoned them this morning and burst into tears trying to explain. Doctor thinks it best for me to see someone face to face.

Hope your appointment goes well. I know that feeling of crying down the phone well

Thanks for the support guys. Means a lot. Had a long talk with the doctor who very kindly listened to me vent for nearly 20 minutes. She has provided me with some contact numbers for helplines and counselling services. She has also prescribed me sertraline with a starting dose of 50mg. I have been given 2 weeks worth and she wants to see me again after this 2 week's to see how I am doing.

Sounds like a positive step - well done for going to the appointment and hope things start to improve soon. I second the mindfulness approach to self care in addition to meds & CBT.

Anxiety really high again this morning. DP has to go to into the office he has been working from home a lot to help me but today I'm gonna be on my own with the youngest. I don't know why I feel this way and I really wish it would stop.

Deep breaths. Take one thing at a time. Try and slow down and focus on what you're doing right now instead of thinking about everything else (it's exhausting doing that). My dad once told me: "Drive the road you're on". In other words, do what you need to do now and wait for the rest when/if it comes.

You've got this.

Thank you. Yesterday I tidyed my whole living room as a start point. One room at a time cause if I think oh that needs doing and this and that etc it all quickly spirals. Wrote some lists of things that need doing in a big day to a page diary I bought to try and keep myself organised.

It's really hard to stay calm sometimes but I'm trying my best to rationalise everything.

Hey runningfeisty,

How are you feeling now? I've been a long time sufferer of anxiety so just wanted to reach out and see how you are?