I would feel embarassed admitting this in real life but I am hyper sensitive to any kind of negative feedback and it spikes my anxiety. I have always been this way even though I am now mid forties with two children and a successful job! I have a very thin skin.
I recently had an appraisal at work and was given feedback on things I need to improve. I found this so hard to hear (I responded professionally / appropriately in the meeting) that my anxiety has spiralled since and I am struggling to eat and sleep properly. My rational brain knows the feedback was not that negative but my irrational brain doesn’t listen.
I was previously on Sertraline for 18 months but weaned off two years ago. It helped with my anxiety but made me feel exhausted and I would rather try and manage this without medication. I also had some advice from a therapist with coping strategies (like writing down my worries etc) but I don’t find that makes much of a difference. I am taking 5HTP which might just be a placebo but is worth a try.
does anyone out there have any tips that have worked for them, managing anxiety as a highly sensitive person?