Is this anxiety?

[smburke123]

I am a fairly high functioning individual. I have a good job and a nice family and home. People would probably regard me as someone who has their self sorted....

Although just below the surface I feel a wreck. Kind of like I carry a heavy load and never really relax. I have a lot of disturbed sleep with flash backs to thinks like lost friendships or a job that didn't work out. Maybe small enough instances if I reported them here but enough to keep me awake at 3am. I often find I am not concentrating on what I am meant to be doing and only really half enjoying life because I consume myself with worry and guilt. Do other people feel like this or am I suffering from anxiety?

My mother is crippled with anxiety when I was a child but she was the kind of person it was obvious there was a significant problem.

I feel like that and I do have crippling anxiety so 🤷🏼‍♀️
I’m assuming people without anxiety don’t feel these things. My sibling sleeps soundly, juggles lots of balls and is always calm and relaxed. I constantly feel like a wreck and never sleep soundly, I agonise over things that have happened in the past and constantly feel worried and/or guilty. Even if nothing major has happened in a day I feel as if I’ve done something wrong.
I’m not saying you do have anxiety but it’s certainly a possibility. Maybe have a chat to the Dr to see what they think?

It definitely sounds like anxiety. Is this a new/recent development?

I have anxiety and panic disorder.
I feel like you.
Do you suffer any physical symptoms?

@Aquamarine1029

Not new, I have felt like this my whole life.

@Spied

What do you mean physical symptoms? Like panic attacks?

Sometimes if I am somewhere I feel is overwhelming like a kids play centre
I can feel panicked, like i don't know what I am supposed to be doing. If I am there with people it isn't as bad. Not that anyone would know from the outside.

@SilentScreenQueen

I'm like that the bit about feeling you have done something wrong is there for me in a big way.

I sometimes feel like if there is nothing to worry about I would find something. I feel like I sabotage myself.

The thing is about my doctor is I just don't know how I would open up the conversation. Even when I had small babies she just jumped over the mental health bit and that is probably when I was at my worst.

I feel like there is only acknowledgement for you if you are having a full breakdown. I have a non dramatic slow tug... or weight around me.

What can be done for this?

@smburke123 anxiety can have several physical symptoms. I don’t have anxiety constantly, it comes in waves really but when I have it I suffer from irritability, fatigue, bowel issues and my psoriasis on my scalp becomes quite bad.

I have don’t CBT previously. I don’t use medication because CHT typically helps me and as I say, I find my symptoms come in waves rather than being a constant thing.

It's anxiety. I've had it my whole life without realising. I've just started CBT and it's helping. Have also just started some meds for a while.

My GP just went through an anxiety check list with me on the phone.

I'd book an appt with yours, write down all your symptoms, say it's stopping you doing X, Y, Z and has got dramatically worse in the last 6 months. Ask her to check you on the questionnaire which I'm sure you can google, and ask for a referral and (if you want them) explore temp medication.

I am paying privately for CBT because it was quicker. There is help online if you can't while you are waiting NHS. There are different methods as PP said but I think CBT is a standard place to start.

I am mad as hell I didn't do it years ago. Good luck!