Feeling overwhelmed and QOL is not good

[Mitch95]

Hey all, new member and not really sure what I want from posting on here but really just need help, feeling very overwhelmed recently

I’ve been dealing with anxiety for the last 6 years of my life and now cope with it fairly well. But recently My QOL has turned to crap. I’m constantly thinking and never living in the present moment, questioning what’s real and just irrational thoughts over and over.

The only time I’m not thinking is when I’m at work doing a physical job, at the gym or watching tv/playing video games. I live a very healthy lifestyle and am doing all the right things for one to change their overall health lifestyle to benefit my mental health but it I’m still having to deal with my anxiety.

I see a psych and always feel better once I have a professional telling me that it’s all in my head but I just can’t shift my racing thoughts/feelings.

I’m terrified to take any medication or put any foreign substance in my body because I hate being out of control. But in saying that, when I do take anti-anxiety medication I feel fine and have no issue with my anxiety at all for that time being.

I really don’t know what to do, I’m happy and my life is so good but the way my brain works and how I feel just isn’t livable and affecting my everyday life too much.

I’m terrified to go on medications in the off chance they don’t work or make me worse then I have nothing else that will ever make me feel normal again as I’ve tried everything within my own control to manage my anxiety.

These are all the thoughts that go through my head and I don’t really know what to do.

I do acknowledge that things are up and down with anxiety but right now I feel like things are more down than up and it’s affecting my everyday life too much.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you all in advanced, and have a nice day.

[Sophie_M]

Dear Mitch95,  

Welcome to the forums, we can hear through your post that you have been struggling with anxiety and truly trying your best to manage. Please be reassured that you are not alone in your feelings and that many other members express similar thoughts of fear and loss of control at points during their recovery. What is important is that you have had the strength to recognize you are struggling and have reach out for assistance.

As you are new to the forums, please know you are more likely to receive replies if you get involved with the community, respond and talk to members on existing threads, in addition to starting a thread of your own. I’m sure we’ll hear from our amazing community soon, but in the meantime, we wanted to share a couple of threads with you in case they interest you:

• Anxiety - please share your positive story
• Self-help tips for managing anxiety

Please also note, it’s worth remembering that immediate support is not available via the forums. If you need more immediate contact, please use our support service either via phone 1300 22 4636 or web chat.

We would also recommend checking out MensLine Australia at https://mensline.org.au/ or via phone on 1300 789 978. It is fantastic that you are already engaged with a psych and we encourage you to continue to see and discuss all your experiences with them.

Your G.P can also be an excellent resource and help, especially if you cannot get in to see your ‘psych’ straight away. We hope that you find the support, experiences and suggestions of peers within the community to be helpful and we encourage you to continue engaging on the forums.

Warm regards,

Sophie M

[jaz28]

Hi there,

I am sorry you are struggling. You're right, anxiety is up and down. You will go through periods without it and periods where it feels never-ending. I have been there. I understand.

Seeing my psychologist really helped me to manage my anxiety with CBT, so I am glad you are seeing a professional. How long have you been going for? It can take time and a number of sessions to truly take on the skills and take them into your everyday life. It is very hard to change your thoughts. So give yourself time and patience.

If you need immediate help contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. You are not alone. Stay strong and keep going.

Jaz xx