Feeling anxious when trying to relax??

[NotSureFeelingLost]

I’ve had a really intense 18 months in a new job and just had a 6 month period of particularly stress. I’ve always struggled with anxious and depressed feelings but never seen anyone about it. Always managed it on my own. I’ve now got a 5 days off in a row. But I keep having intense feelings of anxiety. My dogs have suddenly started fighting in the last week and I thought this was the cause of my stress. But I’m so fearful, jumping at every noise, weak legs, shaking. I wondered if it’s a response to relaxing? Is this plausible?

I’d suggest they are fighting due to feeling your stress/anxiety

I wondered that myself but just 1 week ago everything was going well and I felt like things were good. It’s only since they started that the feelings have become so extreme.

They have only fought once in the last 3 days, and I feel like I’m completely overreacting but I just can’t talk myself round. But I appreciate my anxiety around the situation might be making them more tense. I really am trying to stay calm in their presence.

I also find myself much more anxious when I get a break if I've had a prolonged busy and stressful time. I think of it as like getting physical illnesses when the stressor has gone, eg a cold for the holidays.

I found it quite a shock when I was expecting to feel relif and calmness after a deadline but instead felt more anxious and down. I think you have to work your way through it then build something relaxing, mindfulness into your daily routine. But I'm not there yet.

Dogs are maybe a bit of a red herring here.

Thank you @2in2022twoyearson

I’m wondering about visiting the GP. But I just don’t know what to say.

You could do, I have in the past. To triage say it's mental health. Then say about your anxiety symtoms. Probably depends how long it's going on for. Eg if you're still jumpy after a week go, that's just me though. Or if it's effecting your every day life eg unable to work/ care for your dogs.