Anxiety... help please...

[seoj]

I have always had anxiety- to one extent or another. It's for sure gotten worse as I've gotten older-- and since my Mom passed, it's been harder to manage.

I don't tend to worry or stress about the "big things"- I usually have a very positive attitude (which is funny, cause I didn't as much as a kid?). But, in general, I'm a "glass is half full" kind of person. Even in the face of difficulties... even when my Mom was sick. But since she passed- I'll be honest, it's gotten worse. Again, I really don't worry about the big things- but silly little things I shouldn't give a second thought to. It's frustrating.

I am seeing a counselor- and it helps, but I just want to stop over thinking the little things. Like if I say something I think *maybe* someone could have taken the wrong way, or maybe they didn't like what I said... I worry... if I leave a message for a friend, and I don't hear back (most likely because they are busy or forgot)- then I wonder if they are mad at me- even if we are fine and just spoke earlier that day-- I worry if I say the wrong thing at work, or don't know the answer to a question- will my co-workers think less of me etc... even though I know my job and I'm good at it. I guess, I just feel, discombobulated at times... and I let that worry me and I over analyze or think about things I really shouldn't care much about. Yet, the big things, I feel like "it will work out" or "all will be Ok"...

I'm currently taking SAM-e... and it's helped with my overall mood. But not really the anxiety. Anyone struggle and have any advise. I go to the gym regularly- which helps. I try to take a breathe and have a "moment" as needed. I'm doing all I can think to do to help keep it in check. I just wish there was a button to turn it off...

 

[Elleney]

Hi honey, I think you need to see your doctor. I'm not sure what you are taking but it may not be tailored for anxiety. I'm not a doctor but I suffer myself from anxiety... You're obsessing over the little tiny things right?! It's terrible I know.

The best thing that I did was tell my doctor straight how I was feeling. I had been diagnosed with depression, and felt a little better, but hadn't realised how much better I could feel. Once I talked to my doctor and explained how bad the anxiety was he changed my medicine - and it made a huge difference! It's so important to do that.

I notice you've just got a bfp, congrats! I would advise you see your dr about that too. I'm on medication and will be seeing my dr, but I would rather not come off my medication cos I feel I would get worse without it. When I get bad I don't eat properly, sleep properly or generally take care of myself which isn't good for baby.

Going to counselling is a great idea too, ask them for strategies to stop yourself from feeling anxious or worried. I wear jewelry like a necklace and fiddle with it. It helps.

Feel better. xxxx

 

[seoj]

Thanks for the input hun- I have discussed this with my counselor. She said the SAM-e I'm taking is helpful... but doesn't *always* help with anxiety. So maybe I should discuss with my regular doctor and see if there is more I can do. I don't like to take prescription meds- but I also know there are times in life it's needed... I just tend to try all other approaches first. LOL. I keep thinking- it will get better in time-- I've had one crazy roller coaster of a year- but I also suffer from chronic pain- so there are many layers I'm dealing with, and I think the little things are what put me over the edge. So anything I can do to help- hey, why not?

Thanks for the congrats too- I'm not prego though Just still part of my sigi back from 2011...

 

[calm]

Hello there. Just a hug from another anxiety sufferer. I am not surprised your anxiety has got worse, after the death of a loved one it usually shoots up for most people. I would tell your doctor, always best to. I personally use mindfulness as my way to deal with anxiety, if you haven't tried it give it a go. Google or youtube it (I also have a personal blog about it in my siggy), for me it is what has helped the most by far. Good luck and big hugs XXXX

 

[seoj]

^^Thanks hun. Funny you mention mindfulness- I'm reading a book about how to help your children become mindful... just hard to find the time to read. I do have similar techniques- and doing all I can-- I guess there is no 'magic' pill though that will stop it all together. But having others to chat with about it helps too

Thanks ladies.

 

[Livsmom]

^^Thanks hun. Funny you mention mindfulness- I'm reading a book about how to help your children become mindful... just hard to find the time to read. I do have similar techniques- and doing all I can-- I guess there is no 'magic' pill though that will stop it all together. But having others to chat with about it helps too

Thanks ladies.

I have a bit of what you describe. I am constantly worried people don't like me or that someone is mad if I do not hear from them. I guess I have always considered it social anxiety. I am not great with people anyhow and this does not help. I don't have much advice except to say that if it is affecting your life then don't be afraid to try some meds for it. I have over the years and have had luck at different times. The best med I have encountered for anxiety is xanax in a very low dose as needed. It sounds weird but I feel better knowing it's there if I need it! Big hugs and hope you find something to help!

 

[seoj]

^^Thanks hun. Funny you mention mindfulness- I'm reading a book about how to help your children become mindful... just hard to find the time to read. I do have similar techniques- and doing all I can-- I guess there is no 'magic' pill though that will stop it all together. But having others to chat with about it helps too

Thanks ladies.

I have a bit of what you describe. I am constantly worried people don't like me or that someone is mad if I do not hear from them. I guess I have always considered it social anxiety. I am not great with people anyhow and this does not help. I don't have much advice except to say that if it is affecting your life then don't be afraid to try some meds for it. I have over the years and have had luck at different times. The best med I have encountered for anxiety is xanax in a very low dose as needed. It sounds weird but I feel better knowing it's there if I need it! Big hugs and hope you find something to help!

Thanks hun- I would say my anxiety is triggered by the same- social stuff. The bigger life stuff- I have no issues dealing with or being positive and proactive about- but if I even think someone may be upset with me (even if there is no real reason for it)- I just let it really hender my thoughts till I know all is Ok- which, 99% of the time it is. I am taking SAM-e (a supplement) that has helped- but still have those moments of anxiety. Guess it's a work in progress. I appreciate your input. I will for sure talk to my Doc if things get any worse, not better.