Anxiety

[J7223j]

Menopausal on hrt work stressful job with no alternative. Anyone got any ideas on dealing with anxiety started experiencing it about a year ago and feel it’s getting worse never had it before and not sure best plan of action. Things I could deal with previously now stress me out way more and I worry about everything, small comments and other people’s moods are affecting me low self esteem it’s been awful . Any advice much appreciated I really need to get back to my old self.

What happened a year ago? Was there a specific trigger?

Don't forget that anxiety is an emotion, not a illness or a disorder. It's role is to draw your attention to things that are too important to ignore. It could be that the stress of your job along with the menopause have caused that emotion to overreact to things that are outside of your control – other peoples comments and moods, for example.

Not sure my workload has increased and i don't stop from the minute I get in. I have approached the subject with them but very much felt it was washed over. I feel like it has kind of crept up on me perhaps over the past few years. Just need to find a way of getting better.

So would it be correct that you feel that you don't have any control over your workload and the stress that it brings?

Yes people left I was given more and more work I also lost a couple of close family members years ago in quick succession and took on the role of looking after everyone I’ve taken that role in my own family and I am looking after everyone and not myself just trying to juggle everything my husband listens he is very laid back and has a happy outlook but I don’t think he entirely gets it he is trying to help me though and says I should stop worrying so much. Maybe take time out go to gym etc stop worrying about house mess but I can’t relax in a messy house I just can’t seem to find balance between managing job house and having time for me.

I find myself in a similar position so following for advice. I have not been able to get HRT yet though so hoping it will help when I do.

Your use of the word juggle is appropriate. When there was three balls it was easy, but then another and another and another were thrown in. Maybe chuck one back at your husband and tell him to fund a cleaner if he doesn't see the mess himself. Another one back to the family assuming they are old enough to look after themselves. And the last one back at work; document what's happened in terms of your work load and make it official.

Bottom line is nothing will change if you don't start saying 'enough'.

Yes your right I think Ive been paralysed by the overwhelm and have lost my get up and go. Thinking about it my mil died a couple of years ago and my fil despite being perfectly able is leaning on my husband a lot which takes up a lot of his time leaving us less time to do housework etc and less downtime together.