Thread: Stress and Anxiety (Sensitive)...

Hey,

I'm not sure why i'm posting this on here really but i don't have anyone else to talk to about it...
Basically as some of you know i lost my mum to cancer a few years ago, but when that happened i was also orphaned (for want of a better word) as all other members of my family had died in the previous years through one disease or another.
Anyway, ever since the first death in my family that i can remember (as i few happened when i was quite young), which would be my nan when i was 13/14 i've had slight panic attacks about my own mortality (terrifyed that i won't be here one day) but as i've got older, it got worse. However after my mum died it sort of stopped, i can only put it down to shock i suppose. It's only been the past year it's come back only a lot worse. Not only having panic and anxiety attacks but i'm very stressed as well and end up snapping at everyone (particularly boyfriends i've had) and i've ended up pushing everyone away from it. Now i've ignored all this hoping it will go away or get better on it's own, but last night it struck really bad.

I woke up about 4am to go to the toilet and when i came back i was laying in bed, eyes wide open, thinking i was going to die one day, knowing i won't be around anymore, asking myself what's the point of everything, i burst into tears, my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest, i felt sick and started shaking. It has never been this bad before, and when i think about it, these past few months i've been more stressed and snappy than ever.

I've done the whole 'google' thing and i've technically got all the symptoms of 'anxiety' etc, but i don't know what to do about it, i can't keep feeling like this...
I've made an appointment with the GP for wednesday but i feel a bit bad about taking my doctors time for something that's all in my mind, i mean there are people who are booking appointments for serious things and there's me with my 'stress and anxiety' is the GP the best route?

I'm not expecting someone to give me the divine answer, it's just i feel i can talk to the people on here without being judged or anything and just needed some friendly advice...

Eep sorry for the essay, it's been playing on my mind all morning... xxxxxxx

Hi hun, first of all, you've done the right thing my sharing how you feel.

I don't think I can help you but I'm sure the will be someone on here who can give you some advice. Also, don't worry about abusing the Dr's time, you have a genuine concern so you should go and see them, it's not like you've chipped a nail or anything.

Good luck at the Dr's and I hope you get some help from it.

((((hug))) x

Firstly a HUGE hug for you.

(((((((((((((((((((B))))))))))))))))))))

Stress and anxiety is a real issue - you would go to the dr if there is a problem with another part of your body and this is exactly the same. Its not all in your mind - it effects your body as well - the crying, shaking feeling sick etc. It is a ''serious thing'' and dont you think otherwise!
Going to your GP is definately the best option that I can think of, they will be able to put you in touch with people who can help. Keeping your mental health in good nick is part of keeping healthy overall. (And some would argue, the most important part).

Look after yourself chick - lots of people feel like this and its horrible, but you are not alone.

xx

Brittany Honey,

Most importantly, you are not wasting the doctors time. Anxiety is recognised by the medical profession as something that is serious and treatable. Just because it's not necessarily visable (like a broken arm) makes it no less important or serious.

It sounds as if you've been through an incredibly tough time over the years. The loss of those close to us is unthinkably painful, yet you always come across as so positive and giving, which says an awful lot about you and how special you are.

My Mother suffered from anxiety for several years and was even agoraphobic for some time. I'm pleased to say she's better now and has made incredible progress.

I'm going to PM you too xx

You are doing the right thing going to the doctors. Tell them exactly what is happening and yes it is so real. Have you ever had counselling? I had sessions last year after my mam died - I already suffered from stress/anxiety and depression - and started a new set of sessions last week. There are times when you can talk about how you are feeling to a professional rather than to a friend or member of your family

Irene xx

Thank you all for your advice.

It's a bit difficult because i don't want to waste anyone's time and not sure what 'cure' the GP will come up with.
I've been on anti-depressants before but they didn't help.. and GPs are all too quick to hand them out as a solution. xx

dont worry about 'wasting' your GP's time as your not no matter what they say on the issue, you need help so your GP is obv your first port of call. My bf went to out GP with a lump on his testicle and the doc was very rude and said 'this is just a cyst what the hell did you think it was' as if he was stupid for coming.

hun u aren't alone i have panic attacks about the same thing it really scares me thinking about leaving my children. i've had councelling for it and to be honest he wasn't very good but i'm sure theres some good ones out there that can help.
i try not to think about it and try to change my thoughts to something else even if it means getting up and watching tv or reading a book. but still it escapes in at times but i am much better now i've learnt to do something else instead. i tend to avoid programs and articals that could make me start thinking wrong things.
don't let the doctor fob u off with anti-depressants they won't help u. ask him to send u to councilling it may help u. i don't think its anything that will ever go away hun esp with u having such a hard time of it ((( ))) but i think if u learn to avoid the triggers and some little tricks to help push the thoughts out of your mind u will start to feel better.
hope u find something that helps hun ((( )))

Explain to your doc about having tablets before. They might just need to try different ones for you. I had to try a few before they found the right sort and dosage. Even now I still have panic attacks. Go to your doctors and don't let them brush you off with anything your not happy with. Take care and remember we are here for you.

Well i'm glad of all your help.
I was worried you'd all think i was being silly or something.. xx

Hi Brittany

Nobody thinks you are silly, you've been through such a lot and not many people would be able to go through that unscathed. I bet you'll find a lot of people on here can relate to you and how you feel. I know I can.

A few years ago a number of issues in my life collided and resulted in stress and anxiety, which at the time I couldn't put a name on. I relate to the feelings of fear of dying - either myself or people close to me. I would sit at home watching TV with my OH and when there was a programme on in a series that I was really enjoying suddenly the thought that I might be dead before the next episode was on would pop into my head and send me into an anxiety attack. I stopped wanting to go out because I dreaded the thought that I'd come home and see the blinking light on the answering machine meaning there was a message with some dreadful news about my family.

I just felt really stupid about all of this and made my OH make the appointment to see the doc because I felt embarrassed and a time waster. I was given medication - and even if the first ones you've had don't work, there are lots of alternatives - and counselling - and I've slowly clawed my way back to normality - even though I do get relapses every so often.

You've made the right move calling the docs. I hope everything improves for you soon xxx

Try to accept death being as natural as birth,I used to be same as you,now believe its just a long sleep.Live for the day,dont worry about things that have not happened yet.When shxt happens deal with it then.Love n hugs.x

Can you take someone you trust with you? Sometimes that helps.
If your GP is crap and tells you to pull yourself together or whatever, make sure you go and see someone else. Some GPs are excellent and some are stuck in the dark ages when it comes to mental health. Make sure you get some good advice, especially if you have been given medication that didnt help.

xx

B never think you are being silly. My mum died in june 2005 and then my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. I lost it completely and even now have some very dark moment. January this year I was sat on the kitchen floor thinking I don't care if I live or die. I wouldn't have killed myself or anything like that but I really didn't care. I must have told my brother and he was really worried made me promise to tell my doctor exactly how I was feeling. I felt really stupid and embaressed as well but she was great. I know what you are going through so please you're never silly.
Hugs Sue

dont know what advice to give you,or what to say really,but i would go to the drs,and maybe the councilling route??your not silly and you come across as a happy and confident young lady and your mum would be proud of you,love and hugs to you xxx