Ladies who have dealth with anxiety, please come chat with me.

GladToBeMrs.SRS

Lately, I've noticed that my anxiety levels have gone up.  Normally, I'm a pretty level-headed, logical thinking sort of gal.  Not much phases me, and I can usually think my way through most difficult situations. 

It seems like, since my dad passed away (that's the only real trigger I can come up with), I've taken over for him in the worry department (he was a MAJOR worry-wart).  I fret about the dumbest things (things that are out of my control), and the littlest trigger can set me off.  My stomach starts rolling, and my brain just gets stuck thinking about negative stuff.  I still function fine outwardly, but on the inside, I'm having a mini freakout.  Does this make any sense at all??

In the time since dad passed, the economy took a dump, my (main) business has had unique struggles and stresses (good and bad), I've started another business,  I accepted a faculty position, my kids are growing beyond "baby" issues, my mom's been in the hospital,  I've dealt with Fishgate '09, etc etc etc.

If you would, please tell my I'm going to be okay and that this junk is situational.  Somehow, it feels good to just type this up.  Do any of you have insights into what I'm going through? 

TIA, ladies.  You're the best.  

 

goodgalpal

Glad,

Yes, you will be ok. I am a major worry-wort myself. There are times when things seem to be more difficult and more stressful, causing you to feel those anxiety pains. You are a VERY busy woman, who has a family. You have been balancing work, with your growing (up in age) family, had emotional times, and it is WONDERFUL that you have been able to maintain things so well. 

In my experience, when there are big changes in life, that brings out my anxiety feelings. I too can maintain my outward level-headed ways for the most part, but recently when I was on break from one of my classes I cried for almost  30 mins because I was so stressed out. Once I got it out of my system, I felt MUCH BETTER.

For me I tend to feel better if I can share/release whatever is concerning me, get some support from friend/family, and try to work out a plan (if there is something that needs to change). The fact that you say it feels good just to type it out, probably does mean that your feelings are just because of all that is going on, not some difficult psychosis to deal with.

 

CABunny

I still stand by my recommendation of "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne.  It is a great resource for those suffering diagnosed anxiety disorders (like me) and also for people who deal with everyday stress (and who doesn't in the day and age).

Please feel free to PM or email me for anything more - I'm more than happy to share & help if I can.  

((hugs)) 

 

*speedracer*

get a therapist.  for reals.  having someone who isn't involved listen to all your worries/dramas is a nice thing.  i saw a lady in scottsdale, she talked me through stuff and just hearing her repeat what i was telling her made it seem different to me, if that makes sense.

GladToBeMrs.SRS

*speedracer*:

get a therapist.  for reals.  having someone who isn't involved listen to all your worries/dramas is a nice thing.  i saw a lady in scottsdale, she talked me through stuff and just hearing her repeat what i was telling her made it seem different to me, if that makes sense.

How many visits did you need?  Obviously, the distance would be a bit difficult for me to work around for a long period of time.  Do-able, but difficult.  

papagena

 

I have a good friend who has some pretty serious anxiety issues (actually runs in her family) and with what we've talked about, while she is now on medication for it, she also found it very helpful to speak with a therapist about her issues. I think with all you're dealing with, along with the fact that your dad's passing seems to have been the trigger, that it might be helpful.  I hope you don't feel like now you have to take the responsibility of worrying for him - that is most definitely not your responsibility.  (hugs)

To be frank, I think it is amazing that you haven't had issues previous to this with everything you take on and accomplish.  It's amazing in and of itself, and I could definitely see all that stress needing to be released somehow, perhaps even physically.   You continue to astound me with all of your accomplishments!  Make sure to take care of yourself, while you deal all of your other responsibilities.  I'm in the 'you'll definitely be fine' camp. 

Sorry for butting in...  I know I have a tendency to do that.  Just wanted to pass along my friend's two cents.  

*speedracer*

my situation was different from yours, it was for PPD and i'd already been going to a support group for a while and was on the tail end of the worst of it.  i saw a therapist every 2 weeks, 1 hr sessions for maybe 1-2 months.  basically you go as often as you feel you need it, which is nice as things change in life.

Lady Galadriel

As for a therapist,,, if the first one doesn't work dont give up. I almost did a couple of times when I was having super panic attacks and the person was almost abusive to me.

There are great pp, dont let a bad fit get you down.

anneliesek

My mom passed away a few years ago and I experienced major anxiety and emotional ups and downs. What you are going through is completely normal and is a period of adjustment to a major life chagne.  In all hoensty, it took me quite awhile before I resumed a normal state of emotional equilibrium.  I found that going into therapy to address the changes was the best thing I have ever done.  I only went for a few months.  Your treatment is yours so you will determine when you begin and when you stop.  However, I think that it would be beneficial to you.

The other thing that helps tremendously with anxiety is good old fashioned exercise.  If you aren't already engaging in some regular cardio activity you may want to try this method.  Works well!!  So sorry you are going through this and I wish you all the luck in the world!

Joes_love

first- HUGS.  big huge bear hugs. 

okay.  i have OCD.  not the typical 'check light switches 80 gajillion times' ocd, but the 'constant anxiety don't know how to let things go to the point of picking at my own skin' ocd.  it SUCKS.  i've had it since i was about...8.  and it wasn't until recently that I actually sought help.  i've seen a therapist, i'm on zoloft to help (i'm still nursing so i can't be on anything else), and i go to acupuncture weekly.  

the acupuncture has helped the most for me.  and, turning back to God has helped me a lot too.  

it WILL be okay. you should look into a therapist, and remind yourself that it's not weak to ask for help (i had a hard time with that, i didn't want to be 'crazy' enough to need a therapist).  

Poonico

I'm not sure that I'm one to turn to for advice on handling anxiety, but I can tell you that things do get better.  Even when they look awful, I know that they do get better and it's just a matter of waiting   It's hard to remember that some days, I know.

We're here for you and *love* you   (((hugs)))

katater

I second the therapist idea.  I have a phobia and going to see someone even just a few times really helped put things in perspective.  What you are feeling now is totally normal...((hugs)) and congrats to you for reaching out.  

smurfetteinred

I have no advice to add because I feel like I've been in the same boat as you lately but based on the amount of stuff going on in your life right now, I'd really have to say that it sounds situational. There's so much going on in the world for people to stress about at the moment and you're carrying a heavy burden that would send a lot of people into an anxiety spiral. Here's hoping that some of those stressers ease for you soon and mad mad ((((hugs))))

smurfetteinred

And after reading through the other posts I'd have to agree that if you have the time and the means, I think that seeing a therapist is a wonderful idea. My mother saw one for a few months after my dad died and she was left taking care of two small children/ babies with little outside help from her family. Obviously her stress level was through the roof. She told me that it was one of the best things that she'd ever done and that being able to talk it out with someone and to have it feel like there was someone that really understood what she was going through helped her immensely.

melsie

i've struggled with severe anxiety (and associated mild depression) my whole life so i can really relate with you. 

just try to keep in mind that all of this is situational anxiety. it is all temporary and it will all pass (some quickly, some more slowly but in the end it will be behind you). 

i'm dead serious when i say: if you are feeling more "sad" then usual, esp teamed with anxiety, go and talk to your Dr. more times than naught depression and anxiety mask each other, i know my anxiety hid my depression and once i was on a mild anti-depressant both my anxiety and depression were significantly decreased (and my depression is now gone even if i do have some mild anxiety).I didn't know it at the time but my insomnia was also caused by my anxiety. once i got it under control i now sleep great and feel better all the way around (i can manage the little things a little better before they turn into BIG things, and i've learned to let some of the worry go... or let DH pretend he's the one worrying about it for a change)

::big hugs:: anxiety is a BIG issue for a lot of us. its very hard to live your day to day life either in fear or in a panic. try not to let it overwhelm you and focus on one thing at a time. small steps, one hour at a time if you have to. 

we're always here for you, if you need to vent, a hug or just virtual shoulders to cry on. 

 

GladToBeMrs.SRS

Ladies, truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  Thank you for your openness, your kindness, and your gentle encouragement.  I'm sitting here in tears at how wonderful you all are to open up like this for me.  I feel like a million pounds has been lifted off my chest, just knowing that I'm not the only one who deals/has dealt with this. 

After typing up my OP last night, it felt like the world was going to be okay.  I slept better and woke up more refreshed than I have in a very long time.  Thank you, again, for being so wonderful.  

 

Lotte134

GladToBeMrs.SRS:

Ladies, truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  Thank you for your openness, your kindness, and your gentle encouragement.  I'm sitting here in tears at how wonderful you all are to open up like this for me.  I feel like a million pounds has been lifted off my chest, just knowing that I'm not the only one who deals/has dealt with this. 

After typing up my OP last night, it felt like the world was going to be okay.  I slept better and woke up more refreshed than I have in a very long time.  Thank you, again, for being so wonderful.  

 

Just wanted to chime in with a {{hug}}.

I saw a therapist for about 2 months, I think, after my grandpa died and I had moved far away from my family for school.  As others have said it really helps to have someone to listen.  No shame in asking for help - it makes you a stronger person.

kiliwicket

  (((HUGS))) Hi, my middle name is anxiety and it runs in my family.  My grandmother is actually on xanax and she has had to slip me some on many occasion over the years during certain periods of my life (like graduating from college in front of thousands of people) and I used to have major panic attacks when I was younger.

Ask my DH, I stress about everything... can't help it.  And 2 days ago I went to the Dr. and I do in fact have ppd, which isn't surprising and am now on paxil. 

Current situation aside, how I've always delt with the overwhelming anxiety is keep a journal.  Luckily you have us here   But I highly rec getting a journal to keep on hand when you need to vent and it may not be something you want to publicize... its very cathartic. 

::sings the chorus of 'everything will be alright' by the killers to Glad::

lar1203

i have anxiety. i wouldn't say i've dealt with it. i really need to see a therapist. i take meds (generic celexa- citalopram; $4 at walmart) so does dh. the meds help, but i really don't like taking them. i know in my heart i just need to deal with the things that have caused this anxiety. it's just a very difficult thing to do and would involve my entire family and throws things into an upheaval. i'm just not ready to do that.

i agree with therapy, though i feel like a hypocrite saying that! 

*speedracer*

Glad, i'm not sure who your health insurance is through but check your benefits website.  The last few plans i've had have free or really cheap coverage for therapist visits for me and my spouse.  i don't use my coverage at work because i'm on DH's but i can still use my employee wellness perks for things like counseling. 

daisygirl17

I know I'm late in the game here, but I wanted to pop in and say that I'm another one who's dealt with anxiety/depression. Whenever someone makes a post like this, I always like to pop in and just give some encouragement...to show you that you are NOT alone. I have been through some very difficult times, and if I didn't have my DH (then boyfriend), I have no clue what I would have done. It really helps to have people around who love you. I dealt with panic attacks where I literally thought I was dying and went to the hospital 3 times for it...it wasn't until the third time that a doc suggested I was having a panic attack. The first time, they actually prescribed me meds for strep because she thought it was the beginnings of strep...

Anyway, I can't say much more than all the pp have already said, but hang in there...and I highly recommend a therapist as well. If you want my opinion, I think everyone should go to a therapist, even if they think they don't need it. I've been on meds as well, but honestly I didn't like being on them. I thought therapy helped me so much more...and ditto pp that if you go to one and you don't "click"...don't give up. Sometimes it takes a little while to find the right person.

Now, when I get anxious, I just have to keep reminding myself that it will pass and that it's just me being anxious...and usually if I distract myself with something (a movie, a game, crafting, SOMETHING), it will help. 2 minutes will go by, and I'll be like whoa...for 2 minutes I wasn't anxious...see I'm fine! Those little baby steps really help for me. Good luck and I'll be thinking of you!