It’s a start

[FocusGirl]

Hi everyone,

I’m new here & am suffering with anxiety at the moment... it has been something i’ve Dealt with on and off since I was a teenager. I am now 35, a mum of 2 & finding that my head is more frequently letting me down...

i have no reason to feel anxious and overwhelmed, nor any reason to avoid social situations or going out & living life... but nevertheless I do.

yesterday I finally went to a GP who as given a referral to a psychologist... an appointment I feel too anxious to make & something she doesn’t believe i’ll Get into until feb/March... she’s suggested exercise, meditation & taking time out for myself.,.

right now my head is telling me that that is no help, that she isn’t being helpful, that those things are not going to help the sick feeling in my stomach go away or help me get through this busy Christmas week... & I don’t want to just get through it, I wanted to enjoy it.. my kids are so excited & I just feel awful that I feel this way..

i don’t no what i’m Hoping for, I guess if anyone can tell me these things will help or make any suggestions... i mentioned that in the past I had briefly been prescribed something to help me take the edge off (just a once off) & she said that was a bit extreme... which has essentially made me feel worse, like there’s no safety blanket, no just in case you need help..

Anyway, that is me today, not the most pleasant introduction but any tips to get over these feelings/through these feelings would be helpful...

[Croix]

Dear FocusGirl~

Welcome to the forum. Having anxiety is a horrible thing and can really limit your life. When there is no apparent cause it can be so frustrating. It would be so lovely if you could simple enjoy Christmas the same as your kids. Actually you have made a start, seeing the GP, and I'd suspect you will make that appointment with the psych, if only out of desperation.

I'm sorry any appointment is so far away, February or March is a long time to wait. Some people find while waiting the free guided courses at the Mindspot Clinic can be a real help. Why not have a look and then talk it over with your GP?

As someone with anxiety and other problems I found meds do help, but it took a very long time to find the right ones. Living as healthy a lifestyle as you can helps It is not easy when looking after kids but nutrition, exercise and good sleep all can play their part.

So does having a little time set aside every day t do something to look forward too, something that takes the mind away from everyday life. I use books and movies. What do you think you might enjoy?

Lots of people have found things that helped, you might like to have a look at:

Forums / Anxiety / SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY

I personally find although long it is very useful.

Can I ask if you have people to give you support, that you can talk to and share problems? Trying to cope in isolation is very hard.

I hope to hear from you again

Croix

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi FocusGirl

Welcome to the beyondblue forum. I have reviewed so many posts recently about anxiety. You are not alone particularly at this time of year with the busy holiday period upon us. Your GP has suggested some great things like meditation (also know as mindfulness) and exercise. These are definitely strategies that have some evidence behind towards relief of some symptoms. It can be really hard to find the motivation to achieve these activities without support. I know some people have gone and done a few personal training sessions and have said this has been really helpful. Personal trainers can often help you get started on an exercise routine that can help with energy levels and thinking. Mindfulness and meditation can also help and an app to look at is called Smiling Mind which can offer you an introduction to the practice. It does take time to learn this strategy but can having long term benefits in reducing anxiety symptoms by learning how to not react with emotion to some of those negative thoughts.

Making an appointment with a psychologist is also a really good suggestion even though you may have to wait, it can be like something to work towards building up the strength to attend once you find the right time to make the appointment. It his common for this to be a difficult task and talking to a psychologist can be a relief even after the first session for some people. As you may have to wait for an appointment it won't help you during the holiday period. One way to start talking about your stress and worry is by calling the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636. Talking to the operators can offer some immediate support. It is a free service and might give you the outlet you need while you are waiting to see a psychologist and get you through the busy holiday period.

Another way is to continue to reach out on the forum. Many people have stress and worry and benefit from hearing and reading about others experiences as you have done already. I encourage to post and respond around the forum as it can also be a good strategy to help with your stress.

I hope that you find the strength to make the appointment and find a psychologist that can help you through this period of anxiety you are having. There is help waiting for you and with persistence and support, you will find it.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn