Just not coping, constant anxiety and pain.

[Karenh]

Basically I've hit a pretty big low. I can feel myself being consumed by anxiety.

my chest is constantly tight and I'm feeling afraid and paranoid.

Sometimes I can meditate myself out of an episode, if I push myself to meditate.

I've just started running again so hopefully if I can stick to it, that will help.

I'm giving up drinking. I only drink once a month or so but I've come to realize that no matter how much fun I have, I will have attacks for day or weeks after.

I told my partner I was low and that sometimes I just want to end it. He left me, he said he thought if he was out of my life that I would be happy. He packed his things when I was out of town and surprised me ☹.

We are trying to work things out now but it's been a long road. He wants me to move to where he's based for work and quit my job to focus on my mental health. I'm considering this as I'm just so stuck right now.

I guess I'm just looking for some stories of others getting themselves out of the lowest lows, I need some hope right now.

I'm exhausted..

[Blue_Jane]

Hi Karen

Sorry to hear that things are so tough.

Is your anxiety something you have experienced for a long time? Sounds like you have some useful coping mechanisms like meditating and running.

Have you been to your GP recently? If not, it might be time to see them again and explain how you are feeling. They might have some options to explore that are part of your local community.

Do you want to make things work with your partner?

I think the focus at the moment should be doing what is right for you. What about other family and friends?

My anxiety has consumed me in the past. To get myself out of it I tried so many things from meditation to acupuncture to writing in a diary to seeing a psychologist. I now manage it through a combination of diet, exercise and meditation. And support from my husband, family and friends. Things are not perfect but I don't expect them ever to be.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Blue Jane

[MarkJT]

Karenh, you are certainly doing the right things with getting off alcohol, running and meditating. Three key areas to control anxiety. How is your diet? Can that be adjusted at all to a more healthy one?

Have to backup what BlueJane says above about the GP - that is crucial. It sounds as if your anxiety is getting quite bad so you need to be treated for it and let me assure you that you can function really well living with anxiety so please do not think that this is a life sentence.

I guess with the request from your boyfriend to quit work to concentrate on your mental health is one that needs to be weighed up. You have to consider the distance, what you are leaving behind, can you find work when you get on top of your anxiety but then there is the bonus that you don't have to worry about much except you and your mental health.

More than happy to try and help out as much as I/we can so hope to hear back.

Mark.