Anxiety

[Pleco28]

Hi newish here but was hoping someone could relate with me this is very open and kind of a sensitive topic, I went threw a sexual assault two years ago by someone dearly close to me , I got custody of them and raised them from I was only 20 years old now 29, since this happened I suffer with severe anxiety. I'm on medication which is 100g sertlian sorry can't spell it off the top of my head , I'm due to go back to work and with this I'm on universel credit now and have to job search everyday , I am scared to go anywhere on my own , I can't drive due to panic attacks , my husband has a very demanding job and can be away long periods at a time , I don't want to try just go on the sick , I want to be able to get a job and do things so my kids are proud of me , does anyone have any tips on dealing with anxiety? It would be much appreciated thank you

You could go back to your GP and say you're still struggling, and perhaps he'll alter your medication. You could also try EMDR therapy, it's good for dealing with the effects of trauma.

To be honest, I would have some time off and focus on getting well. Get an additional diagnosis of PTSD if that applies, or anything else that might describe how your mental health effects you in everyday life, and you might be able to claim Personal Independence Payment. That'd be a bit of money you could put towards therapy or whatever you need help with in everyday life.

If you have some time off that needn't mean it's for life- you can take the time to work on getting better.

If you really want to try working, you could try just doing an afternoon or something at first, then gradually build up what you do.

Best wishes xxxxx

I'm sorry for what happened to you sweetheart and you are already such a great example to your children.

I think you may be pushing yourself to do too much and like pp said, perhaps should focus on getting better for a while first.

There's an organisation called Anxiety UK who have a helpline and I'd give them a ring and have a chat. They offer low cost CBT, hypnotherapy and other forms of treatment that might be worth a try. 03444 775 774 Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5.30pm www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

Other things you can try are cutting down on caffeine and Beta Blockers regarding the panic attacks. It might be an idea to have a chat with your doctor about your medication if you're not noticing an improvement.

You could also research Mindfulness which is a type of meditation and yoga.

Rape Crisis may be able to offer trauma counselling in your area or point you in the right direction. You could give them a ring: rapecrisis.org.uk/

Finally, give Rethink a call regarding benefits and they can give you additional information about going back to work : rethink.org/aboutus/who-we-are/contact-us/

0300 5000 927 advice line is open from 9:30am - 4pm, Monday to Friday

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your reply's ❤️ it means a lot the advice use have giving me has really made me think about what to do , mabey I should go speak to my doctor again and try and get some financial help , it's hard not to feel shame in doing so x

There's no shame in not being well. I'm so sorry you think that. You've been through something traumatic and are still suffering from that trauma. That's nothing to be ashamed of. Please find out about benefits as you should probably be on more than you are.

Another thing you might find useful is Epsom Salts in a hot bath before you go to bed. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant. It might help you sleep.

Be kind to yourself.