What to do about high stress levels?

[Rossco]

I have an appointment to see the Doc on Monday morning as I am feeling the effects of stress and anxiety.

I broke down at work yesterday because someone asked how I was :(

I feel like a tightly coiled spring. At work I've been doing overtime in a different role (spoke to deputy manager yesterday and won't be doing that anymore) plus dealing with a new computer system at work which doesn't do what it is supposed to. Our branch is one of 6 pilots using the system.

On top of this I have my family and other commitments and just feel like I can't cope any more. I am so tired it isn't funny but can't sleep properly. I feel sick, panicky and don't want to speak to anyone in case they ask me to do something or ask a question as I just can't deal with it.

It is a horrible feeling of being trapped and seeing no way out.

Hello. I don't particularly have an answer but just wanted to let you know I'm signed off work at the moment for very similar reasons, I could have written your post. I did see my GP and she was very helpful in terms of signing me off, and would have written something other than stress on the note had I asked. I've had a week and a bit off now and I do feel that I've recovered a bit from having a break. I think we all work very hard these days and more and more of my friends are finding that they cannot cope with everything.

I hope you feel better soon.

Purple it's hideous isn't it?

I just can't believe how awful I feel. I'd hoped that after a nights sleep I'd feel better but I don't. I didn't sleep as my mind is spinning and got up just as tense as I went to bed.

Thankfully I'm not as tearful today. That was embarrassing, sobbing away at work but I couldn't hold it back.

Do you feel depressed? Your Dr may put you on a course of anti depressants. How do you feel about taking those? x

My DD1 could have written your post.

She saw her GP and was diagnosed with anxiety.

She is now on ADs

She had quite a few things to cope with, which made her feel it was normal to feel as she did. But in reality she was over reacting.

She has not long started her treatment but is improving.

I am sure you will get some help from your DR.

If you feel like crying, get in the shower have a good cry, no one can see or hear you, but it helps to let it out.

before you hit the hard stuff, you could try some more subtle remedies (have been there myself re work situation), eg:
vit B complex (these get used up in stress situations and need to be replenished regularly)
Relaxing Essence - by J Vries (drops) - really good for switching off your thoughts at night