I’m 44 and my anxiety has never been this bad!

[butternutsquashed82]

I’ve always had a bit of anxiety throughout myself, but recently it is through the roof! I actually don’t know what normality feels like anymore! I am a single parent, I work full time and then do extra work in the evenings and weekends. Down time is very rare. I find myself so anxious all the time, I catastrophize (all around work) and just can’t switch off! I went to the doctor and she prescribed me setraline, but I’m too scared to take it! I did ask her if it was peri menopause and could I try HRT but she wouldn’t give it to me!!! I might start taking a 1/4 of a tablet and then build up to the setraline. Has anyone else had chronic anxiety at this age?

I could have written this myself, so anxious all the time, wake up and am suddenly scared of the dark. Docs prescribed Sertraline but i cant bring myself to take it, my hair has also been shedding lots (giving me even more anxiety) so i'm booked in for blood tests and a different doc suggested HRT. She said she couldnt say which would be best Sertraline or HRT i need to make the decision myself but i just dont know

I'm a bit different in that I developed anxiety for the first time at about 41. I actually thought it could be perimenopause and went to the GP. I was told I was too young and that is was 'just' anxiety. I had no reason to be anxious and, as I say, no prior history. He prescribed sertraline but that was awful and made me seriously unwell.

I suffered on and off with anxiety for 2 more years (it was usually worse before my period) before eventually going to a different GP who agreed to prescribe HRT. Took a bit to get the dose right, but I've not had any anxiety since.

I would seriously consider speaking with a different GP about HRT. It may be that you also want or need other meds but don't underestimate how effective HRT can be for anxiety.