Help/advice for anxiety

[LokeyCokey]

I’ve suffered with anxiety for a number of years (probably as long as I can remember) and had counselling and CBT in the past when specific situations i.e. pregnancy have escalated it. I didn’t find CBT that helpful, I understand the principle but struggle to apply it.

Over the last few months my anxiety has got worse, since a promotion to a more senior role at work. I’m constantly on edge and over analysing everything. And if it’s not then that I’m worried about family, health, accidents, money basically my brain just picks a new topic so I’m never worry free and it’s starting to make life joyless.

What are people’s experiences with medication for anxiety? What can I do?

Try it! Honestly! It can be life-changing. When I first started medication and it kicked in - the permanent knot in my stomach disappeared.

It can take a little while to adjust and get the right one for you and the right dosage but it’s worth persevering.

I wish I had the courage to try them ten years before I did.

I also take beta-blockers to deal with acutely stressful situations, which is worthwhile enquiring about.

Get yourself to your GP pronto!

Have you tried a more Jungian style therapy? That’s really helped hugely for me as it gets to the root of it. Look up Owen O’Kane or Sheryl Paul if you want a flavour. Medication only masks it in my experience, though obviously can get you through when you need to function.

I found the DARE book and app really helpful. More than anything else I've tried so far. I haven't tried meds but DARE got me through the worst

As always, think about the root cause of the anxiety. What was your childhood like? Were either/both or your parents or other significant adults 'worriers'?

Anxiety is the emotion designed to make sure we don't overlook the important stuff but it can go into overdrive or focus on things that are no longer necessary. What is your anxiety most fixated upon?

Is the app free and what is the booked called please?

@intergalacticplanetarydid you still overthink things or did the meds help calm your brain IYSWIM?

@Eyesopenwideawakegood childhood but my Dad was always a worrier. Then I was in an emotionally abusive relationship for 10 years so doubt that’s helped!

I will worry about anything, work is the current focus but the new job is more responsibility so that makes sense. Passed my probation with great feedback a few weeks ago so my brain just moves to something new. Currently it’s fear of death/ an accident…

There is a free version of the app which is great. You can pay for extra features eg stuff on health anxiety, which I did (hence the username) but the free parts were enough really.

The book is "DARE the new way to end anxiety and stop panic attacks"

@LokeyCokey I’m still a worrier by nature but I’m not an anxious wreck. It was like the bulk of the weight of my worries was lifted and I can now function properly. You’ve got nothing to lose by giving them a try. They can be absolutely life changing. I would at least discuss it with your GP. Good luck with whatever you decide to do 🤗

It’s always fear of death at the root of it. You can have a good childhood and still not learn to tolerate/integrate your fear of death.

lose job > no money > homeless and no food > die

accident > death

stay in emotionally abusive relationship > at least have a roof over head > avoid death = fear of death

the fear of death will attach itself to anything - health, job, relationship - whatever is nearest.

Once you come to terms with the fact that we will die, life becomes a gift that you’re grateful for and can use it to live to the fullest. Anxiety and excitement are the same emotion. Just different stories attached.

got to embrace the anxiety and feel it - learn to tolerate feeling it - to get to the excitement though.

Medication numbs and doesn’t let you learn that you’re capable of feeling the fear and doing life anyway.