Nothing Seems To Work

[unseen1]

Hi, I have been experiencing PTSD and severe anxiety for the past 12 years. I am currently taking medication daily but my anxiety is still at an all-time high. Over the past 10 years, I have tried everything from seeing psychologists, psychiatrists, GP's and support workers. Lately, my anxiety has been getting worse as I have an extremely stressful event coming up in a month that means I will have to public speak in court. I don't know how I am going to get through it without having a panic attack and making a complete fool of myself! I am at the point now where I cannot sleep, eat or think about anything else but that. My medications don't seem to be working at all and would like to know if anyone has any methods that can help me get through this really stressful period? I have used benzodiazepenes in the past but don't want to become reliant on them on top of what I am already taking. I am at a loss as to what to do and it is affecting every aspect of my life. I am 46, have no family and my grown children have all moved on so am now living alone. Any advice would be helpful. TIA

[Doolhof]

Hi unseen1,

It certainly does sound like you are struggling at the moment and have the issue of the court case coming up causing even more anxiety.

Have you been given strategies in the past that have helped you a little? If so, can you try to put them into practise now even when it feels impossible to do so?

Does it help you to write out what you are feeling?

Would you consider telephoning the Beyond Blue help line on 1300 22 4636 and talk to a support worker? They may be able to offer you suggestions.

There have been a lot of threads recently on anxiety. Maybe you could read some of those and see what suggestions have been offered in support.

The Beyond Blue website has information about anxiety you may find useful.

Hopefully you will find ways to limit the impact your anxiety has on you.

From Dools

[Gambit87]

Hi Unseen1

Sounds silly, but do you do fun/relaxing/relaxation to try and keep your mind off it for a little while?

when I’m overthinking and worrying I do things like walk around the CBD and look at all the buildings and think about the architecture or go fishing - and not even to catch fish - just throwing a line and and looking over the water calms me down or watch a funny tv show/movie.

More often then not I’m straight back to over thinking but for that time I’m distracted my mind feels free. When I do start over thinking again it feels like it doesn’t impact me as hard (if that makes sense).

hope things get better for you soon.

[MsAnxious]

Hi unseen1,

So sorry to hear about your struggle. I have a history of depression and anxiety, and the crucial thing for me now is to not get bogged down in the vicious cycle of unhelpful thoughts. Which I know also is much easier said than done. In a practical sense, I try to ‘engage ‘ with other people when I start to get ‘absorbed ‘ into negative thinking. Even if this only involves texting a friend. Posting on this forum also helps. I try to go for a walk for 30 minutes every day to remind myself that there’s a whole other world out there. It is hard though. I am glad that you have sought medical help and hope you can get through the upcoming event.

Regards,

MsAnxious.