Is this anxiety worthy of medication

[Anxietyhell7]

Anxiety has been getting progressively worse over the last few years. I still have the odd normal day but I am anxious most days, it's more of a mild chronic anxiety though, not severe (no panic attacks thankfully)

I mainly seem to have an issue with contamination & parasites and can obsess a lot.

I've been massively triggered by the bed bugs news stories and I'm inspecting things all the time, taking clothes off as soon as I get home, isolating DCs' school bags etc.

We're also doing some renovation at home and it's really taken a toll. IN the last few weeks I have worried about asbestos, then lead, then dust damaging the DC' lungs.

But as I say I mostly function fine, I just wish I didn't worry so much, I'm exhausted trying to prevent things.

It is starting to manifest physically as well with lack of appetite sometimes, stomach ache etc.

I just don't know.

You're describing anxiety that is severe enough to impact your daily routine and is negatively effecting your quality of life. Is it "worthy" of medication? You're the only one who can answer that question, @Anxietyhell7 .

There is also non-medication help available for anxiety. Have you looked into any type of therapy/counseling?

I don't think things are going to just magically improve on their own, unfortunately. Perhaps start with a visit to the GP to see what's available regarding therapy, etc.

Anxiety is very common but treatment is available and it can be managed. You deserve the best quality of life possible. Reach out to your GP as a first step. Good luck, you are definitely not alone.

Thank you so much @LifesShortTalkFast . I sometimes worry that if I didn't get anxious about these things I wouldn't do enough to prevent them and DC would get harmed in some way, so feel like it's necessary anxiety if that makes sense?

But I do feel like life is such hard work and I'd love it to be easier. I'm actually in a good situation with no specific hardships yet I struggle massively just because of the "what ifs".

I had CBT before and it helped while I had the weekly meetings. But it doesn't really help when I'm trying to work through things by myself.

I'd also need to go private to access that again and I feel bad spending money for myself that could have benefitted the kids instead.

sometimes worry that if I didn't get anxious about these things I wouldn't do enough to prevent them and DC would get harmed in some way, so feel like it's necessary anxiety

But that's the basis of most compulsive worry! You feel like the constant worrying is "doing something" when in reality worry does nothing positive and definitely doesn't prevent anything bad from happening.

I feel bad spending money for myself that could have benefitted the kids instead

I would counter that by saying that having a mum that is healthy and able to be present (and not distracted by worry and anxiety) is hugely beneficial to your kids. Attending to your mental health is not a frivolous waste of money!