constant battle

[shellyt]

So i have been struggling with anxiety for about 6 years now sometimes i can go months without it and other times it feels like a daily struggle. I have taken medication for the past 5 years which has helped a lot,  the past couple of weeks my anxiety has come back in full force. I constantly feel like i have something really wrong with me l am so aware of every sensation in my body and my head feels fuzzy which makes me feel 100 times worse which causes me to feel extra anxious which brings along all the other anxiety symptoms. i just want to feel free of anxiety and have a clear head. I have 3 children my youngest is 13 months old and i  want to be able to enjoy my time with them but i am so scared that i have something terrible wrong with me and i might not be around and they need me  does anyone else feel this way<>

[white knight]

Hi Shellyt, welcome to beyond Blue forums

It took me 25 years after my initil diagnosis of anxiety for it to dissipate.Of course I had it before 1987 also. But in that year after a crisis at work I attended a occupational therapist and started with medication like you plus exercises.   It has only been the last 2 years that I've got it well under control.

The exercises, deep breathing and Progressive Muscle Tensioning still continues and I think PMT has been the greatest benefit to my relaxed state now.

Worry is non productive and your worrying level is very high. Relax, you (I'm sure) are a good mum. You come on here worrying about your children so you must be. 

I think (and I'm not qualified) you would benefot with some relaxation classes and check out that PMT exercise. google it or locate a local group/therapist to learn it.

take care Tony

[sw]

yes Shelley you are not alone. I am new to this anxiety business altho I think it has been possibly underlying until a recent truama has bought it on in full force. I have often the feeling something will happen to me and I wont be around to see my children grow up. Its a horrible feeling and I hope we can improve soon.

[AGrace]

Hi Shelly,

I'm sorry to hear that your anxiety has worsened of late. Is there anything despite your fear regarding your children that you could pinpoint as a trigger? Or does it feel like it's just come on out of the blue? Have you been able to speak with your Dr about reviewing your medications? It might be time to change variety or increase the dosage. Are you also seeing a Psychologist for your Anxiety? Using some coping strategies combined with medication can be really beneficial. White Knight has suggested Progressive Muscle Relaxation which can be a really good way to begin to recognise bodily sensations related to anxiety and begin to learn to release tension. there are a number of other self help strategies that you may wish to consider. These have been posted in a thread titled SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY under the Anxiety section of the forums.

It sounds like you are a fantastic mum, to care so much for your children, and no doubt you are very busy. It's still really important to take some time to really nurture yourself so you can be the best mum you can.

I hope this is helpful.

AGrace

[HelenM]

Hi Shellyt

You have 3 children the youngest being 13 months. You are clearly a caring Mum. Two reasons already for your anxiety.

My daughter has twin sons of 2 and half. She has been living with PND which seemed to be going but is back now. Her GP said with her life she'd be surprised if she didn't it. My children are in their early 30's. I look at the pressure on families today and wonder how they cope. It's so much harder now. PND shows itself as anxiety too. I'm not saying that's what you have but I do believe having kiddies to bring up adds to it. Also it's not uncommon for Mums to worry that they will die and can't bring their kids up. Although my depression is mild I have a fear that one day I will kill myself and ruin everyones life. I think it's a Mum thing (maybe Dads get it too). 

I don't know how to tell you not to worry, although a CBT course is designed to help you look at your fears realistically. It's helped me a lot though I still have crazy days. My daughter, 31, came home early from work on Monday, dizzy, fuzzyy headed, hot and cold. I couldn't sleep that night. What if she couldn't work again? what if it made her depression worse? how would they manage money wise.

I feel for you. My kids were grown up before depression

hit me. You and my daughter have the job of bringing up kids whilst not being well mentally. I hope things imprve soon. 

Take care, Helen


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