Anxiety — please, please help.

[Lily2811]

I'm having an awful time with anxiety and wonder if anyone has had similar experiences or can help or suggest anything that might help.

Whenever I'm going away, even if it's just a few nights, it massively triggers my anxiety. I really worry about my house being burgled (even though it's well secured and touch wood, I've never been burgled at this house) I worry about the cats not being okay even though ive asked someone I trust to look after them. I even worry about stupid things like there randomly being a fire or a flood in the house. I feel ridiculous writing this but I'm not exaggerating the things I worry about. I have an awful problem with trying not to worry that I don't have anything with me. I get so worried that, for example, I won't have the right shoes for something and I end up packing the whole house up. I'll take a stupid amount of stuff with me compared to how long I'm actually going away and how much stuff I'll need.

I'm also really struggling with confidence and self esteem. I can't make decisions and I don't trust or value myself enough to stick to the decisions I do make. I feel so bad about myself.

Just to add so as not to drip feed, I have a very long history of anxiety and depression I am already on medication and I've had lots of different kind of counselling/therapy.

Any suggestions and help welcome. I like reading if anyone can recommend a self help book.

Sorry to hear your struggling' I have anxiety, going on holiday sets mine off too. Packing I now have to write a list and stick to it, even if it means I’ve not got the right outfit for a meal out etc, it just means I get to go shopping for new things. I used to be so worried about being broken In too while I was away or fire etc I didn’t get to enjoy the holiday at all. In the last couple of years I’ve taught myself to check the doors and windows are locked and just leave. Once away from the house I start the whole “ if anything goes wrong I’ll just sort it when I get home” type of thinking. It’s still hard but u found staying at a family members the night before helps as it gives me 24 hours to calm down a bit so when I get on holiday I’m able to enjoy it. I must admit in that 24 hrs I probably tell myself I’ll sort it when I get home several hundred times though. It works for me and enjoying holidays for the last couple of years has generally help my anxieties over every day life. You really just need to find what works for you, but I would recommend a strict packing list and sticking too it. Good luck!

Any book on mindfulness is helpful.
The thing about self help books though....you have to do the exercises and the work....just reading isn't enough and accept it takes time before you see a change.

Bump (sorry)