I have suffered with bouts of anxiety for many years now. I've been through periods where it's been pretty non existent but over the last year it has become more prevalent and prolonged. Before lockdown I had planned to see my GP because it was getting to the point where it was beginning to stop me going places and doing things. But I never got the chance and while I know I can still speak to the GP over the phone it's something I'd prefer to explore face to face.
The key symptoms are panic, racing heart, nausea and a nervous tummy which usually makes me urgently need the toilet. The last symptom has in itself become a huge issue for me as I'm constantly aware that if I get anxious I will need the loo and this consequently makes me avoid places where a toilet isn't easily accessible. Over the past year I've gradually stopped going on long car/motorway journeys. I hate having to go on site meetings with work. I even avoid my son's assemblies and football matches because I feel like I'm stuck in situations where I can't easily dash off to the loo. Any unfamiliar surroundings set me off until I know where a toilet is. And obviously at the minute with public loos all being closed I darent venture far from home. I worry about how this period of lockdown and not going anywhere will affect me once it's time to get back to normal life.
I need to tackle this. I tried cbt before with limited success. I'm wondering if medication will help? I've never tried it before but I think if I can control the anxiety then the physical symptoms ie needing the loo may ease?
If anyone has any advice or experience I'd really love to hear it. I feel very alone.