New to anxiety

[Sportsnut89]

Ive recently been dealing with some anxiety issues of late, the reasons for worry have gone but im still worried all the time.

Ive spoken to a counsiler over the phone in my moments of panic, 3 times in three days. They help emmensly but i still worry when i hang the phone up it all comes flooding back. I try to do the exercises they give me but they only work very briefly.

I wanted to call my counsiler service again tonight but i feel im taking advantage of there emergency service.

Im really worried that this will never go away ive never felt like this before in my life. Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

[White_Rose]

Dear Sportsnut

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. It's great that you have posted about your concerns here. This is a great community and you will find others who will pass on their experiences and outcomes to you.

Anxiety is a problem for a considerable number of people, so you are not alone in feeling this way. On the BB Homepage there is a clip about anxiety. Have you watched it?You can also explore this site for information about anxiety.

Talking to a counselor by phone on a one-off conversation can only give you some mental first aid help. This is often all that is necessary but it seems that you have a more in-depth problem. You may only need to talk to a counselor a few times, but this should be with the same counselor so that you can explore the reasons for your anxiety. Speaking to someone different every time means repeating your information and I think it makes you feel worse. These counselors are great and provide vital help for people. You need a little bit more.

So I suggest you pay a visit to your GP and have a chat about this. GPs are really fabulous in their knowledge of mental health issues. My GP talks to me regularly about my difficulties and is a fantastic help. You do not necessarily need medication or to see a psychologist. You may be able to sort it out with your doctor so make an appointment and see how you go. You can be sure if the GP thinks you need more specialized help, he/she will give you a referral.

Have you spoken to any family members or friends? These are useful people to put things in perspective for you. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger, such as a person on the phone, but you will have a better outcome if you talk to one person consistently. So I urge you to see your GP and come back here and talk to us about it.

Mary

[Sportsnut89]

Thank you so much for your reply Mary.

i should mention i work FIFO in WA. Im not home for 4 more days. I have an appointment with a counsiler the day after i get home. I have a long break coming up too. Im working on a GP appointment but ive never had a regular doctor before.

i clam down breifly but then think about going home and what if it doesnt go away? Then i get worked up again. I just worry alot thay the next 4 days are going to be too much. I had a period of calm yesterday. Something clicked and i was toatally relaxed, for a few hours, then it all came back when i woke up in the morning.

i know this is probably minor compared to alot of problems out there ive just never felt this way before and its scaring me

[Sportsnut89]

Sorry i missed half, yes ive a friend in canada dealing with the same things we talk reguarlly every day, its a great help to both. Ive not talked to family as i dont want to worry them, if it becomes a huge issue i will, otherwise ill wait till i have a handle on it before letting them know.

[White_Rose]

Anxiety is a bit like the black dog of depression, always barking at you and nipping at your ankles. Good stuff with your friend in Canada. It's amazing how much help we get from each other and how reassuring it is to find others with the same problem.

So what are you going to do with the next four days. Well presumably you will be working and I hope this will distract your thoughts for a while. Sleeping is a good option, but not more than usual. Feeling rested is good. I know about waking in the morning and the anxiety drops over you like a bucket of cold water. My GP gave me a totally different type of antidepressant and gradually what I call the morning horrors faded away and my sleep quality improved.

I suggest one thing you try not to do and that is not to think ahead. We do more harm to ourselves by getting worried ahead of time than waiting and experiencing each day. Try to focus on what is happening in the next hour or half day. Concentrating in that way really helps top keep the anxiety under control.

Mary

[Sportsnut89]

Yea for the next four days im working, then i fly home on anzac morning and my appointment is on the 26th, im very determined to keep myself together untill then. Im hanging onto the belief that once im home and see someone face to face that i can establish a helping relationship with things will sowly start to get better.

its just in those panic moments it grabs ahold so hard! And when things dont work it hets worse!

[NorthernBeachesGuy]

Read your story Sportsnut. Went to my GP this afternoon for the first time. I've been discussing things with friends for a few days and they urged me to visit her. She was great. I had a bit of a breakdown in her office. She was calm and we worked through it. I've been given herbs for sleeping and for staying calm, meditation and relaxation exercises. Plus I've had blood tests for thyroid / iodine as I take seaweed pills every day (stopped them tonight).

What I'm trying to say is that you need help. Don't wait. Talk to a friend. Tell your relatives. I was pretty careful about who I spoke with but not that careful. The response was warm and instant. One of them texted me an hour ago to see how my day was. Hope the next days go well for you.

[Sportsnut89]

Thank you all for your replys. I went to the GP today, he didnt really say much, i told i had been anxious for the last few days and that inhad counsiller appoitment coming up. He asked me a few questions and then told me he didnt think i was depressed and that i didnt need medocation, im home now and have felt good all day, just the anxiety is creeping in again.

i am really tired now im home from work and off night shift, maybe i just need some sleep.

[Sportsnut89]

Id like to thank everyone for there replys, especially the parts about talkig to people, i just told my parents about whats been going on. Probably the most serious thing we have ever had to talk about. They were very supportive, not that i didnt expect them to be. But to any one who reads this searching for help make sure you talk to your support network.

things are not over but having them on my side has helped emmensly.

thank you all again.

SP