Anxiety overload

[Cailin]

Just had 4 weeks off work due to depression and anxiety

Returning to work tomorrow and terrified All my colleagues know

im scared of driving and everything and can't sleep

been like this for 32 years and it's so lonely and hell. I'm good at putting on a good front but inside I'm dying

How do you cope with wanting to stay in bed and being so anxious

Cailin

[james1]

Hi Cailin,

Your situation with work is understandably scary. To be away for that period of time and have to start again, especially since others at work may seem like they're done fine and you're not...it's not a good feeling.

You've probably heard it before, but it really is okay to have a mental illness. It's normal, though it does totally suck. At work, you need to put on a good front which you've been doing, but also know your limits and respect them. If you need time off, as you did before, it's important to take that time off. Even if it's just for a day or half a day.

Can I ask if you are undergoing any therapy or counselling? I'm barely scraping through work at the moment but knowing that I have my psychologist appointments helps a lot.

James

[blondguy]

Hello Cailin

Welcome to the BB Forums and good on you for posting too!

I understand how you feel as I have had acute anxiety and then depression for 34 frustrating years (including big issues driving in the first 10 years)

James1 has great advice above with the therapy/counseling being a huge reliever of this chronic condition.

Sometimes with chronic anxiety (just like diabetes or heart disease) we need even a small anti anxiety med to help us help ourselves.

I had a psychiatrist that had me carry a few in my wallet 'just incase' I needed one. It actually reduced my anxiety knowing I had a plan B with me all day at work and in the traffic...a simple yet excellent idea 🙂

The need to stay in bed is the depression talking. Its a normal feeling to have when we are in this dark place. If you can, please do try to stay out of that bed. Even if you go outside and dig a hole in the backyard you will be burning up a ton of toxins with the physical exertion. You will also sleep better tonight too!

Colleagues knowing...I used to worry about this as many people just dont get it. If you find it difficult to talk about you can always just say you have a 'type of claustrophobia' that happens now & again even not in enclosed places. I was in the private sector for many years and this always worked well for me (if I needed to explain)

Distraction is a huge help with anxiety too. Not flat out being busy....but only gentle occupation so the anxiety has difficulty getting a foothold. By the newspaper tomorrow so you have something to stare at if the anxiety starts to mount.

Its just my opinion Cailin, but I would be seeing your GP today so you can have a chat about some anti anxiety meds (if your doc thinks they are a good idea of course) They are only invisible crutches that we need sometimes

Dr Claire Weekes: 'Self Help for your Nerves' is a great tool and written in plain english for easy reading. She was a psychiatrist that had anxiety disorder and spoke often about 'staying off that bed'

you are not alone Cailin, there are many people that suffer the same as you do on the forums that can be here for you.....even just for a chat. You are more than welcome to post as many times as you wish 🙂

I really feel for you

my kindest thoughts

Paul