Does anyone else feel like this?

[MAP]

I’m just wondering if anyone else has the same experiences that I do.

Some days I’ll be feeling really really low and anxious. I’ll wake up before my alarm and lie awake for half an hour feeling anxious and worrying about work. When I’m feeling anxious I have tingling in my hands and feet and I feel like I have butterflies in my chest. I’ll keep feeling anxious until I actually get to work and then I feel a little better.

On some days I’ll feel so sad that I find myself tearing up on my way to work. More than once I’ve just broken down on the train and couldn’t stop crying.

On these days I know I should be going to my GP to get some help but because I work so far away from home I can never seem to get there.

Then on some days I feel perfectly fine and happy and I wonder whether I actually need to go see the GP. On these days I seem to forget how bad the other days were or I feel like I can fix it by myself.

Is it normal to feel this way?

[baet123]

Hey Map,

Welcome to the forums. It is great to have you here and I am sure you will find this platform extremely beneficial as many people on BB can relate to what you are going through. You are extremely brave and courageous for posting and sharing your situation with us. That is amazing.

Your experience is extremely normal. All the physical feelings you experience most people who have anxiety or have had anxiety in the past would have felt similar sensations to the ones your feelings. I also think it is a good thing that you are aware of your emotions and that you do express them which is so so so much better than holding keeping them inside of you.

I believe going to your GP and either getting a mental health plan to see a psychologist (10 sessions free) or being referred to a psychiatrist or even your GP prescribing you medication that may assist you would be something you should consider.

We all have our good and our bad days but during the tough times it is important to speak to someone about it and stay positive (as best as you can).

Look forward to hearing back from you again.

All the best,

Nick.

[Jen_W]

Hi MAP -

I definitely have these days as well....days when I wake up feeling happy and energised, and then other days when I'm feeling flat and just not wanting to deal with the everyday annoyances life can bring. And I agree with baet123 - it's normal to feel that way. I also agree that it's great you are expressing how you feel. Talking about it - even here on a forum, can be quite cathartic.

I think talking about it....either with a friend, family member, or trusted individual can be very helpful, but if you find you need someone that's a bit more unbiased, a GP referring you to a therapist of some kind can also be good. I know for me it's hard to start....or even get there sometimes (as you mentioned), as it can be draining, having to tell your story again and again....especially when the tears start to flow. But getting upset and crying isn't a bad thing, and it's awful to hear some people perceive it to be a sign of weakness. It's not. It means that you are human - that you feel and have emotions. For me, a good cry makes me feel better. It's like getting it all out.

And lastly, please don't ever think that you need to fix "it" by yourself. There's nothing to fix. You are a worthy, feeling person, capable of love and being loved. You have emotions and feelings, and not feeling happy and elated 24 hours day/7 days per week is not something that needs to be fixed. Feeling happy, sad, angry, nervous, scared, excited, anxious...they are all normal emotions that make us who we are, and make us all unique, amazing individuals.

Please keep us in the loop with how you are feeling. And remember, if today isn't the greatest, there's always tomorrow xx

Jen

[The_Artist]

Thanks Jen

i find myself drinking a lot lately to feel happy. Do u ever find this?

[The_Artist]

Yes I feel like I’m pschitzophrenic sometimes because I can go from confident and hallucinating to anxious and sad. It’s aweful

[Jen_W]

Hi The Artist -

How are you today? Did you find yourself drinking to feel better today? You mentioned that you find yourself drinking a lot to feel happy. Do you feel like the drinking helps you relax? Or does it maybe just cause a distraction for a while (whilst you are drinking) to help you forget that you are upset? I know that when I have drinks with friends, it makes me more talkative and social. But, if it gives you a "high", just remember that it's just a substance that will change/alter your perception temporarily. We know that when we drink alcohol, endorphins are released, and we get "happy", but again..it's only temporary.

Have you considered trying other things to help you feel a bit more happy? I know for me, I like to go outside and sit or stand with the sun shining on my face, go for a walk, listen to my favourite music or catch up with friends.

I hope you are feeling better today. Please do let us know how you are....

Jen