Where to start when finally admitting anxiety is a problem?

[stoptouchingthat]

I have been a worrier/nervous/socially anxious etc. for a very long time.

I have ways of coping with some situations, but am a continual over thinker and worrier about what others think.

I used to worry about DH when he was late home from work because he was rubbish at letting me know and I think these days a lot of that has transferred to my DC. I have to check them before I go to sleep and worry a lot about stuff happening to them if they are out with DH without me or at my parents.

Anxiety is affecting my relationship with DH and I am getting stressed at the DC. I am sure it is also affecting my memory - DH keeps commenting about me forgetting stuff. :( It also affects my sleep if my mind is churning.

One of my rubbish coping strategies is just to hide/procrastinate on the phone or PC. Thus reading more parenting articles about why I am shit etc etc.

I keep fantasizing about having a career break from work, because then I'd totally be able to get things sorted. (except probably not)

Is going to the GP the right place to start?

I guess I have other options like trying to arrange counselling privately, which might be quicker. Or maybe occupational health at work.

Thanks for reading this jumble.

Yes. Seeing your GP is a great place to start.

You can probably self refer to NHS talking therapies online. You would need to look it up for your area. There may well be a very long wait to actually see anyone. If you find someone you can see privately in the meantime and you don't need the NHS it's easy to come off the waiting list.