I have really bad anxiety, panic attacks and am prone to depression.
I am feeling so overwhelmed with my commitments.
I am a wife. We are supposed to be starting the road of IVF, having exhausted all other baby making avenues. I study, a masters degree part time. I am behind in my classes.
I constantly feel exhausted, but I can't sleep (I do nap when it's at that point of dead tiredness, but that's all I can do, nap, never a good solid sleep). I am worried about EVERYTHING. Things I know logically I have no control over, and yet I am worrying myself to physical sickness over it.
My exemption has finished so I will required to find a job (Centrelink) but I know I will just be letting an employer down if I get hired - but you aren't allowed to "blow an interview" by being truthful like that (Centrelink will stop payments).
I don't usually take medication, as I tend to suffer side effects, however I see a psychologist. But I feel like I might need something more ... How do you be what is expected when you aren't sure you even want to be alive?
8 Replies
It sounds like it's time to re explore medication. Have you ever seen a psychiatrist? They have a much bigger tool box of medication available to them.
My sons life has been turned around since starting with a psychiatrist.
Speak to centrelink about the possibility of mental health disability payments. I still had work requirements when I was on it, but it was minimal and I met it by studying part time.
(Although, a friend of mine found studying and working to be more helpful because she didn't have time to be anxious, whereas I still can't work or study without having a full blown panic attack about the idea)
Find your 'triggers', but don't avoid them - just find a way to make yourself comfortable when dealing with it.
(My trigger are social mostly, so I make sure I relax as much as possible before a social event and have someone who understands anxiety with me)
Avoid alcohol and caffeine. It helps short term to make you feel better, but it'll be worse when it wears off.
Cut your sugar down as much as you can.
Google 'natural' remedies (such as blueberries and chamomile tea - not tablets (although I take red raspberry leaf tablets which helps a lot)).
Look into things such as Mindfulness Breathing and Cognative Behavior Therapy.
Keep your mind distracted, if possible. Cleaning and drawing helps me when I find the energy or motivation to get up. You can get the mindfulness colouring books as well.
But most importantly - see your psychologist and tell them your anxieties and fears. You may logically know they're petty, but that doesn't make your feelings any less real and they need to be addressed.
There might even be an underlying reason for it.
Good luck x
I am the poster
You have basically described me.
I try to do natural things to manage it and mindful practices.
Social situations, changes and the unknown all trigger me.
I try to work regularly, but, it ends in me really 10 steps behind in my health.
In this situation I feel like I am being pressured before I'm ready.
I see my doctors at the end of the month
Thanks for your advice
Are you able to take a little time to yourself? Spend the day in bed, or go for a walk in the local bushland. If you dont want to medicate, be brave and consider trying something new -- depending on where you are, you might be able to access free meditation or yoga.
I have not had time for my self in a long time
(Original poster)
110% time to take a little break, even if its just an hour a week it makes all the difference.
I hope I get a chance too
Thank you x
I have suffered with anxiety and depression for year's and the lack of sleep was torture. My last resort was speaking to my gp and I tried a non addictive sleeping aid called seroquil. It's purpose is to treat bipolar disorder however I gave it a go. Never looked back. My sleep is solid for 6 hours and my anxiety isn't as bad either. There are options love . I definitely made the best decision ever. Good luck