Anxiety

[Marg-87_]

Hi. I think I suffer from anxiety and am finding it difficult to cope. I suffered a stroke seven months ago and nothing seems the same since. The stroke affected my balance only so I know people are suffering more than I am. I feel unsure of myself when I am moving about. I always feel something is going to go wrong when I go out. I am still working and work myself into a state each day I go to work. To outsiders I appear to be doing well but I’m not. Thank you for reading. 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Marg-87_,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your experience here. It’s a really good place to have come to hear from others. We’re really sorry to hear about your anxiety, a stroke can be a life-changing event and just because some people have greater effects doesn't mean you should discount your own experience. Recovery from a medical emergency can take time and it's important you are kind to yourself during this time and take baby steps. It sounds like you are demonstrating incredible strength with going to work everyday but it can also be exhausting when you have high-levels of anxiety. We're sorry to hear you are going through this but we are glad you could share here.

If you want to talk through what you’re feeling at any time, the Beyond Blue Support Line is here for you 24/7 on 1300 22 4636, or online here. It’s ok to reach out when you’re feeling anxious or upset, they can talk you through some ways to find a bit of calm, and then help you to figure out some options for further support.  We’re sure we’ll hear from the lovely community soon, but in the meantime, here’s some strategies you might like to have a look at it. We understand you might have been through some of these in the past and it might feel like cold comfort right now, but they’re here in case they do pique your interest: 

• Another thread where the community have shared some strategies for managing anxiety 
• Beyond Blue Article: When your inner critic is giving you a tough time 

Thanks again for sharing. We’re here to listen and offer support, and you never know how your story might help someone else. 

Kind regards, 

Sophie M 

[tranzcrybe]

Strokes can be life changing events and, while you present relatively minor symptoms, it is worth continuing rehabilitation with your specialist/GP/physio to address any lingering concerns.

One other observation, you may be trying to live the life you had before as if nothing happened - this can place a lot of pressure on you to perform accordingly.

Showing consideration to yourself for what you have been through might mean taking things a bit slower, or becoming a little more open to others that you are still recovering (which can take a few years).

This could help alleviate the anxiety brought on by living up to expectations of yourself or those perceived from others.

Measure your progress from each new day, not the past.

[MsMary04]

Hi Marg-87

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling like that I can tell you it’s totally understandable, I too had a stroke and so many things affect you, it’s good you are working, do you have a health professional that helps you to monitor your workload and stress? I’d love to chat with you and help, I’m a work in progress as we all are but talking with someone who has had a similar experience I think may help, Katie

[Fiatlux]

Hi Marg-87,

Hope you are doing well today and recovering a little bit better each day.

My youngest sister had a big stroke at age 38. There were possibly less severe strokes earlier which she ignored. So your anxiety is very real. The fear of having another stroke was always a concern.

My sister never fully recovered and mobility issues due to numbness on her left side which included the sole of her foot. I was always concerned that she would fall especially when having to take a step down and would loose her balance. If I was with her I always put out my arm to support her and I nagged her to get a walking stick at very least. As she got older she did use a walking frame and allowed others to drive her. She did regain her ability to drive a car but gave up driving as she didn’t feel confident enough to drive after she failed her driving test.

Marg, I hope you are on the way to recovery and you regain your confidence. Don’t be afraid to get a an extendable walking stick that you can carry when you feel tired and unsteady. Also driving can be stressful at the best of times. Maybe look into government assistance which may cover costs for a taxi service. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance and let trusted people and your workplace know that you are not doing as well as it appears.

Are you still receiving rehabilitation services to assist you with recovery?

Marg, take care of yourself and wishing you all the best. Please keep in touch here and feel free to reach out for assistance and support. Fiatlux 🙏🏼

[Marg-87_]

Thanks Sophie for replying to my post and the suggestions you offered.

Kind regards

[Marg-87_]

Thank you for replying. Good point you made about expecting to do as much as I used to do. I’m going to try to adjust my life and not be so hard on myself.

Kind regards

[Marg-87_]

Thank you for replying to my post. I hope your sister is doing well. I liked your comment about getting an extendible walking stick. I am going to look into this.

Kind regards

[Marg-87_]

Thanks Katie for replying. I appreciate your comments. All the very best to you.

Kind regards