Really struggling can you help

[MushroomHunter]

Hi, I am really struggling at the minute. My emotions a are very heightened, I have massive anxiety and even my eyes are twitching constantly. I am under quite a bit of stress with work. I know that my behaviour is quite erratic and I just can’t hide this no matter how hard I try. Then I fall into exhaustion every evening and literally can’t function at all, I just collapse.

Is there anything you can suggest that might help? Something maybe a long the lines of an over the counter medicine or anything else. I can’t take any time off work so I need something else.

Please speak to your GP. You sound worn out!

I second the previous poster about speaking to your GP.

I'm not aware of anything purchased 'over the counter' that has the magical ability to pull anyone back from the brink.

Self help may work - good sleep pattern, keeping hydrated, eating regular nutritious meals. But for how you've described how you are at the moment, your GP would be the best shout. When you're in a better head space, you can think about the other strategies.

Sorry I should’ve explained, I’ve phoned the doctors yesterday and they told me to up my antidepressant tablets to 3 a day. That’s why I was wondering if there’s anything else.

I can’t function at work or at home, does everyone feel like this sometimes?

I know it’s hard to find the time but could you do something ‘different’….different road to/from work, a lunch items you haven’t had for ages, quick half a bath instead of shower, sleeping on the other side of bed etc….I find it helps me to get out of the usual cycle of the same worry same stress same anxiety. Worth a try x

Could you do some relaxing stuff when you're not at work...yoga, meditation, massage, long shower with nice smelling shower gel, use scented candles.

Or some energising things...Brisk walk before work? Short burst of jogging just enough to get the endorphins hit.

Magnesium is good to help you sleep.
Vitamin D helps with lots of things including energy and if you're in the UK you're probably lacking it.

What antidepressant are you on? They're usually only taken once a day.

There are a variety of supplements you can take, but they'll work more effectively if you're on a prescribed anti anxiety med.

Perhaps you need a different one rather than them just increasing the dose.

@MushroomHunter

Sorry I should’ve explained, I’ve phoned the doctors yesterday and they told me to up my antidepressant tablets to 3 a day. That’s why I was wondering if there’s anything else.

I can’t function at work or at home, does everyone feel like this sometimes?

I've never heard of an anti depressant being taken 3 times per day. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I've not heard of it.

How long have you been on this medication?

Didn't your GP speak to you about the underlying cause of your increased anxiety state? I realise that some GP's are overstretched, but surely a reasonable question would be 'what's changed to bring this on?'

OP, you have to look at what's caused this spike. No amount of pills will alter what's going on in your life. If work is the cause, speak to someone who can help with a plan to alleviate some of the stress - your manager, your employer's HR and Occupational Health department, your trade union rep if you are a member, complete a work stress risk assessment. Perhaps you've reached the point that you NEED to be signed off as unfit for work.

Work on emptying your mind - go for a walk, take in your surroundings in a mindful way, practice mindfulness every day setting aside time for breathing/meditation. All of this is easier said that done, but it can be done, I have done it (and still do) and it works.

Talk to your GP and get some time away from work - you need space to let things come back down. Also see if you can get an in person appointment about the anxiety - especially with the tiredness.

Can you take a day off work and use it to stay in bed and rest.

Sometimes when we are so stressed and
Anxious we can’t see the wood for the trees.

Hopefully a day of resting will give you a little
More energy to figure a way out.

Also, could you talk to your manager snd let them know you are struggling?

Hi everyone apologies, I’ve had a crazy few days.

@Clarice99The doctor did ask why I was feeling like this, and I explained it was work related. He told me to take 3 20mg fluxotine in the morning instead of my usual 2 tablets. He did say that would take a few weeks to build up.

I suppose the trigger is that I run a department of 8 staff, 6 of which are off with Covid and I am covering their work. It’s built up this past few weeks and created a huge pressure on me. Alongside this I had my own very important deadline to meet and I just felt as though it was too much for me to handle. Thankfully, the deadline has passed and I got fantastic feedback from the directors. I am still quite new to the roll so taking time off wasn’t an option unfortunately.

I’ve taken this weekend to relax, take time out with my family and do things for me. I feel much better today. My anxiety was just so overwhelming, my speech was slurred, I was so forgetful and I was quite twitchy. Most of which has settled a little, still there but no where near as bad.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help.

@MushroomHunter

Hi everyone apologies, I’ve had a crazy few days.

@Clarice99The doctor did ask why I was feeling like this, and I explained it was work related. He told me to take 3 20mg fluxotine in the morning instead of my usual 2 tablets. He did say that would take a few weeks to build up.

I suppose the trigger is that I run a department of 8 staff, 6 of which are off with Covid and I am covering their work. It’s built up this past few weeks and created a huge pressure on me. Alongside this I had my own very important deadline to meet and I just felt as though it was too much for me to handle. Thankfully, the deadline has passed and I got fantastic feedback from the directors. I am still quite new to the roll so taking time off wasn’t an option unfortunately.

I’ve taken this weekend to relax, take time out with my family and do things for me. I feel much better today. My anxiety was just so overwhelming, my speech was slurred, I was so forgetful and I was quite twitchy. Most of which has settled a little, still there but no where near as bad.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help.

Good to hear that you've been relaxing and that you're feeling much better.

You are one person, you cannot do your own work and the work of six people, so it's no wonder you felt overwhelmed.

Rather than get to 'that place' again (as Covid won't be disappearing overnight) it might be worth speaking to your manager to convey that you can't do the work of multiple people.