Anxiety without panic attacks?

[Aabb]

Do I have anxiety if I dont have panic attacks? Or at least not in the chest tightening sense. I feel weight on my shoulders and chest. It's not smothering more like a burden. I'm self obsessed and tend to believe that people dont like me or that I'm doing something wrong. Or that people treat me differently because they dont like me. I always act confident outside of the home or in front of the kids. But to myself or my husband I let the sadness out. Right now I feel trapped and numb at the same time. I hate my house is a mess, my cars a mess but I dont do anything about it. I'm numb. I cant. What a bad excuse and I hate myself for it. I just want to be on my own, wallow a bit but I cant. I have a family. They need me to be strong. But the weight is constantly there. Sometimes I'm happy, the confidences is real and I have so many ideas and plans I'm a whole person again. Not whatever this thing is I become before I can claw my way out.

What's wrong with me?

[Doolhof]

Hi Aabb,

If you have not done so already, it may be beneficial to go and have a chat with your Dr and explain everything to him or her. They may be able to make some suggestions for you.

I find once I have some kind of diagnosis from the Dr then I am better able to understand what I am experiencing and how I can deal with it.

From my understanding, many people are more open to allowing their emotions to show when they are with those people who are closest to them.

Regarding issues with your house and car, could you make a list of things you would like to achieve, then break that list down. It might be that Monday you decide to do the dishes for instance and Tuesday you clean the car.

My mind becomes overwhelmed at times if I feel like I have to do too many things all at once.

Welcome to the forum! Hope you find it helpful. We all have our own thoughts and ideas on what may help.

All the best from Dools

[Aabb]

Thank you dools,

I followed your advice my house Is now clean... car isnt but that's something I can tackle tomorrow. It means alot you replying. It snapped me enough out of my funk so thank you. I have seen the doctor twice, mental health plan and all. Started talking to a psychiatrist who was so great but she had to take a year personal leave. It was an anxious battle seeing her let alone trying to do it again. I have high anxiety or so she said but when I'm good I'm great I'm normal. When I'm not I dont know what I am. I just want to be normal for my family.

[Doolhof]

Hi Aabb,

Congratulations on cleaning the house! Today I managed to do the dishes, vacuumed, mopped and did a little work out in the garden. Just doing the dishes felt like an achievement for me as I had left them from the day before!

Another thing I am trying to work on, is building up ideas for ways to cope on the days when I am not doing so well with my depression and stress.

I always have a book handy to read, some kind of craft close by in a basket, at the moment it is crochet, and I am working on creating a hope or happiness journal. In that I might write what has been good about the day or write down a positive quote I came across.

Down days still happen and I try to get through them the best way I can. Some are worse than others, and some I breeze through.

Will you consider seeing another psychiatrist at all? It can be hard having to change, it can also be enlightening gaining a different perspective.

There are many sections to this forum including a social section. Maybe if you feel comfortable enough, you might like to have a look around and see if some thread titles interest you.

Cheers for now from Dools

[blondguy]

Hi Aabb

Dools has provided heartfelt support above where coping mechanisms are concerned

I also understand the anxiety you are going through Aabb. It can be an awful place to be in. You are proactive with your health by continually seeking counsel and reaching out on the forums too!

I also see a psychiatrist when they are available.....That can be hard to do with lengthy waiting periods

Can I ask if you have a GP that you can talk about your anxiety feelings too? I still see my GP every 4 weeks for a tune up if my anxiety is becoming a pain.....for the last 20 years

Everyone's levels of anxiety vary of course....Even though I am in recovery I still find solid value in discussing my anxiety/depression with my GP. They are well versed with anxiety now compared to when I started to have it in the early 1980's

you are not alone, the forums have many gentle people that also feel like you do. I hope that you can stick around and post if and whenever you wish to

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Aabb]

A big thanks to both of you!

I'm in a better place today. When I cant even remember why I was so stressed and anxious. Dools I love the idea of the journal! I'm going to adopt that concept for sure! And paul my GP is an old grumpy man that always waves me off but your right I need to get back on the health wheel and see another psychiatrist. I haven't really done forums before. I've been scared I guess to openly admit I have problems.

I really want to thank you both. I have never had this kind of support and from people you dont know it's really uplifting.

thank you!!

-aabb

[Doolhof]

Hi Aabb,

It is so wonderful to read that you are feeling a little better and have found this forum beneficial. I am sure there are many forums out there, I feel very safe using this one. People have been so very supportive and helpful when I have been struggling.

My journal is a place to put pictures from magazines ( bought cheap from Op Shops!) I have a page where I write down my successes and what has put a smile on my face.

I also have another book I write all the negative stuff in. Some days I write until I have no words left. Then I get out the positive journal and read some of the good things in that.

Is it possible for you to change Doctors?

Hope you discover ways to recognise your anxiety before it flares up too much.

Cheers to you from Dools