Persistent, constant anxiety

[Beepboop]

Hi there,

just reaching out to anyone who might be going through or has gone through a really persistent rough patch where your anxiety feels uncontrollable again.

My anxiety fluctuates every few years, however I haven't had as tough of a time combatting it as I have this past year. Pretty much this time last year my anxiety hit a peak where everything became hard again (socialising, work, uni, house things, life organisation etc.), and I still haven't been able to conquer this, 1 year later.

I've changed psychiatrists in hopes to get better care, however the med changes have not helped at all. I think I've gone through about 7 med changes in the span of 6 months, and I'm starting to feel like my anxiety has become treatment resistent. 

I'm incredibly agoraphobic, I struggle to go out by myself (without my partner) to do things that I need, like fill prescriptions or get haircuts etc. I rarely hang out with people outside of work or uni, and it has become harder to socialise this past month as my ARFID has peaked as well, so anything involving food I'll bail out of.

I guess I'm just feeling really stuck in my anxiety, because it has come this time around with a bunch of new symtpoms and ways of interfering with my life that it hasnt done before. I'm struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm severly burnt out from worrying and being worked up all the time. 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Beepboop,

Thank you for your openness in sharing here. We’re glad you have found us here. It’s a really good place to have come to hear from others who understand what you’re going through. We can hear how much time and effort you have put into trying to manage your anxiety and it can be really disheartening when it feels like nothing is working.

You’ve taken some great steps in seeking support through your psychiatrist and trying new medications, which can in itself be quite anxiety-provoking. Does this psychiatrist also provide psychological support? If not, it could be worth looking into if you are able to. 
Even trying some anxiety worksheets can be a good way of trying something new. The Centre for Clinical Interventions has some great ones for anxiety and social anxiety.

If at any point you want to talk through what you’re feeling, we’d highly recommend calling the Beyond Blue Support Line on 1300 22 4636. You can also reach them via Online Chat. 

You are not alone in this. Many members or our community will be able to relate to a lot of what you’ve been going through and be able to share some of the wisdoms that have helped them. Thank you again for sharing. 

Kind regards, 
Sophie M 
 

[_Gigi_]

Hi Beepboop,

Sorry to hear things have been rough for you lately. I can relate to a lot of what you mentioned in your post; I also struggle with anxiety and burnout. One little thing that has helped me is buying a pack of gold star stickers. When I complete any goal, or even just do something good, I give myself a sticker for that day in my journal. Seeing all the stickers add up over time makes me feel proud of myself for my efforts. This may not be for everyone but I thought I'd suggest it anyway, just in case. I wish you all the best!

-Gigi

[Guest_10216]

Hey mate,

I just wanted to say thanks for sharing all that — it really takes guts to be that open, especially when you’re feeling this overwhelmed.

I can hear how much you’re going through, and I’m really sorry it’s been such a rough year. It’s no small thing to still be standing after a long stretch like that. The fact that you’re still trying — switching psychiatrists, going through all those med changes, still working and at uni — that honestly says a lot about your strength, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

Anxiety can be a real monster when it starts showing up in new ways. I’ve had similar moments where it felt like it changed the rules on me — things that used to be fine suddenly became massive struggles. It’s disorienting and exhausting. You’re not alone in that, even if it feels like it.

I totally get the agoraphobia bit too. Leaving the house can feel like climbing a mountain some days, especially without that one person who helps you feel a bit safer. And with ARFID making social stuff harder as well, it’s no wonder you're burnt out. That’s a lot to carry at once.

I don’t have the magic answer, but I do believe it can get better, even if it’s slow and messy. Sometimes progress looks like the tiniest steps — just managing to sit with the discomfort a bit longer, or being kind to yourself when you can’t do the thing. You’re not failing just because it’s still hard. You’re surviving. And that’s enough.

I hope you’ve got someone in your corner reminding you of that too — and if not, let this be that reminder. You’re not broken or beyond help, even if it feels like the treatments so far haven’t hit the mark. There’s still time to figure it out, and there are people who get it.

Take it one hour at a time if you have to. You’re doing the best you can — and that’s more than enough.

Big respect to you for speaking up. You’re not alone.

Take care of yourself.