I have suffered with anxiety for 13 years. I am now 53.
I am 6 years out of an abusive marriage (25 years) which is the probable cause. I have a lovely new partner, two grown up sons and granddaughter and lots of good friends. I have a job which I love but anxiety is ruining everything.
I dread everything. I catastrophise and ruminate constantly. I am becoming a hermit. Even before Covid I constantly cancelled planned. I let people down. I don’t look forward to anything. Thus constant worrying is absolutely exhausting.
Some examples of worries I have developed. I am scared to drive especially on motorways in case of traffic jams. I am scared to eat certain foods in case I get sick. I am scared to travel on a train in case it breaks down or worse gets stuck in a tunnel. I get toilet anxiety. I don’t travel far from home. If it wasn’t for my job I would be agoraphobic. The list goes on
I am missing out on living. I miss the old me and I am having very dark thoughts.
I have tried cbt, hypnosis, medication, sertraline (been off meds 4 years) . My gp has prescribed escitalopram but I’m terrified to start it.
Has anyone got any words of advice