New & dealing with first time anxiety

[SD0102]

I am grateful & very lucky compared to some, but this hasn’t helped with my anxiety which all started due to the worry of COVID. I live in regional NSW and have a small business. Initially I had the worry of not knowing if we would have to close our business, we have 3 family members who work there and another 3 staff who you feel financially responsible for as well. Unlike many others we weren’t required to close, but we were very quiet for the first 4-6 weeks. During that time it was very overwhelming trying to digest all of the information, implementing new rules & regulations and constantly worrying about the spread of this disease. Although business has picked up since 1 June, being a smaller regional town, I continue to worry about visitors from out of our area , and community transfer. I know I can’t change this and hope that everyone is doing the right thing, to help prevent the spread. I’ve never had anxiety prior to all of this and hate the way it makes me feel. Last week I saw my gp and I’ve started speaking to a counsellor. I find it helpful to talk about it, so thought this might be a good place to start. I do feel guilty feeling like this when there are others in worse situations then me.

[Sophie_M]

Welcome to the forums, SD0102

We're so grateful that you have reached out to our community tonight, we know that it is not an easy thing to do but it is so important that you have. We're really sorry to hear that you're struggling with anxiety, which must be especially tough to cope with during this difficult time. However, it's great to hear that you have some great supports in place, and you are always welcome to share your thoughts and feelings here with our supportive community- many of whom will be able to understand and relate to what you're going through.

If you feel up to it, we'd also recommend reaching out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. This website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. You can also call our dedicated support line, staffed by mental health professionals, which is available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

We hope that you keep checking in to let us know how you're going, whenever you feel up to it.
 

[Croix]

Dear SD0102~

I'd like to join Sophie_M in welcoming you here to the Forum. Sophie has pointed you towards a most useful area and hopeful you can gain some help there.

I though I might talk with you for a moment as I have an anxiety condition, and while it is not now based on anything like the problems you face we both seem to end up in an area where anxiety itself can try to rules our lives.

As you said "I know I can’t change this" when referring to your business and the future perhaps the one thing you might be able to change is your own welfare. You have already taken steps in that area and I'm glad you find counseling a help - talk does make a big difference.

May members have fond ways to reduce anxiety, perhaps you might like to look thogh this thread:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/self-help-tips-for-managing-anxiety

Lengthy but full of tips I've used myself

Talk with professionals is one thing, talk with family or freinds is another. Many feel they are responsible, with the welfare of others depends solely on them. By and large things are in fact shared, and I was wondering if you have a partner, other family member or friend to talk frankly with and gain perspective, and maybe have your load lightened a little.

The other thing I'd suggest from my own experience is that there needs to be a small area of your life where your troubles recede for a little while and other, more enjoyable things take over the mind. It is no use doing anything that just lets you mind fret, it needs to take you away. I use books and movies to do this, and look forward each day to a time towards the evening or night where I know something enjoyable will happen.

So what do you have that will that function for you? Anything from repairing old machinery to horse riding to ... well you would know better than me.

I've been surprised to find that the effect of this practice seems to be cumulative, leading to less everyday stress.

I'd be interested to know what you think

Croix

[SD0102]

Thank you Croix for your very kind & helpful post. I’ve have started opening up to a couple of very close friends and found this helpful. I have never experienced anxiety until COVID started. I’m am normally a very strong person but for some reason I haven’t dealt well with this. I do have a husband and he has been supportive but I think he has struggled a bit, as he has never seen my like this before.

I have been doing lots of reading as I find this the most helpful, in keeping my mind busy.

I also went to see my GP and have spoken to a counsellor. By voicing my feelings on this Forum has also been a great help and helps to feel that you are not alone.

I also had a look at the thread you suggested and found some helpful ideas there, so thank you.

I just need to keep reminding myself and keep practicing, that when my worrying thoughts become too overwhelming, to try and take a step back and try to put it back into perspective.

Easier said than done sometimes !

[Croix]

Dear SD0102~

I'm glad you are starting to feel a little more in control of things now and you are taking all the right steps.

I would gently disagree with you on one thing, "strenght" does not come into it. It is an illness -like malaria - and anyone can contract it, there is no "weakness" involved. You are still a strong person, the character trait you had before.

I can imagine your husband may feel out of his depth, after all to see someone you love behave in a different way can be upsetting, and if he feels he needs to 'fix' things that makes it worse. He does not need to fix, just listen and comfort

If you have a look at what Beyond Blue has to say about anxiety (tons of it) here:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

You might browse though and if you find a useful page or two then show them to your husband to help him understand.

Please let us know how you re going when you can

Croix