46 years old and recent anxiety attacks

[Rosieg]

Up until the past year I have been fairly confident (although socially shy). In the past year I have started to have anxiety attacks and continually doubting myself and overthinking.

I have a work issue that I think about constantly. I have asked others to check this issue and have been given reassurance that nothing is wrong but I still over think that there is. It's driving me mad just overthinking - I just want the thoughts to go.

We have also been planning an overseas trip for over 2 years. This has been exciting but now it is only weeks away and I feel physically sick about going. I don't want to go. I know that on the day we leave I will be a complete wreck. Every time I hear a new story about some drama overseas it makes it worse. I don't want to leave our adult children for 5 weeks. I worry they won't look after the house and the pets. Basically anything I can think to worry about I will.

any ideas or people suffering similar circumstances? I just want to enjoy this time in my life but just feel so frustrated.

[Zeal]

Hi Rosie,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear that you've been having anxious thoughts and anxiety attacks over the past year. Have you been diagnosed with anxiety in the past? I strongly recommend you make an appointment with your doctor (GP) about the anxiety and panic attacks. The sooner you get support and advice, the better. This reassurance seeking is something I do as well. I've had anxiety (OCD) for a decade now. Circulating anxious thoughts are so frustrating, but these thoughts can be better controlled with some practice. Some great resources recommended by mental health clinicans can be found at this site: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm

This overseas trip sounds exciting, and is understandably a major life event the anxiety is latching onto. Talk to your doctor about this anxiety and fear. You'll be with your partner (or husband) I assume, so you will have each other for support. How old are your adult children, by the way? I'm 23 and my Mum (who has no history of mental illness) even worries about me when she's away. This is partly because of my history of mental illness, but also a maternal reaction. Leave important contact numbers with your adult kids, so you know they have access to support when you're not there. My Mum did this for my sister and I several years ago, when my parents went overseas for over a month.

I hope you can seek support from your doctor soon 🙂

Best wishes,

SM