Newbie to forum & proud to be feeling anxiety free for first time in six months!

[Guest_4093]

Gday,

Andrew here, 40 years old and been through the worst period of my life in the last 6 months.

I have worked in a high pressure job for the last 10 years with minimal management support and ever increasing responsibilities. An erosion of confidence over this time has left me doubting my abilities to even do the most basic of lifes tasks and everything seemed a major effort.

I got to the point 6 months ago of breaking down at work crying in the middle of the office and having to have one of my colleagues drive me home to my wife, which then ended up with me having non stop panic attacks, insomnia and a few of weeks of leave. This was the start of a process of understanding anxiety and working with my GP and Psychologist to gain the tools to combat this relentless beast.

I have good days and bad days, but finally the good days are starting to outnumber the bad days and am starting to enjoy and value life again.

The things that have really helped me have been exercise (I had previously not done any running but I now run about 30km a week), Mindful Meditation (Tara Brach is a favorite online resource), a book that was recommended to me call "Stopping The Noise In Your Head" by Reid Wilson really put perspective on some of my thoughts.

I am hoping I can perhaps help others whom are struggling.

Regards,

Andrew

[Croix]

Dear Andrew~

Thank you for your most encouraging message. Posts here are read by many and heartening words of success go a long way.

Although the circumstances sound truly horrible you have had some some of the most important things necessary to deal with anxiety. Family support, medical support with therapies, self-help. All are needed, as you can no doubt say, it is not a situation where one can soldier on alone.

I've had a collection of stress related disorders for many years and can well relate to everything you've said, including the fact that things go up and down, it is not just a smooth ride. Coping skills learned in better times come into their own when needed during the downs, and the practice you take in those good times makes them more effective.

I hope your employment situation has improved to the extent that your stress levels are not increased.

Please feel free to browse the formal information on anxiety here and also the posts of others - if appropriate make a contribution.

Should you find, as I did, that improvement can falter for a while, please don't hesitate to post straight away, you will be sure of an understanding reception.

My best wishes

Croix

[Guest_4093]

Thankyou Croix,

Unfortunately the work situation has not changed, however I am slowly learning to implement more assertive responses to unreasonable demands or expectations from senior management and also say "no" a lot more.

Regards,

Andrew

[Just Sara]

Dear Andrew;

Your post is a breath of fresh air to these sometimes weary eyes. How wonderful you've regained some control over your life. This is recovery in motion and represents obvious hard work...so well done!!!

The description you've given re workplace issues is a common theme on here, including yours truly. My breakdown happened in Sept '14. I'm still here though helping others now, which seems to be a goal of yours?

I hope so, we need all the support we can get. BeyondBlue has around 70000 hits a month, so anything from you is absolutely appreciated. Don't forget though, we're here for you if you need us as Croix (above) says.

Thankyou again for sharing your positive mindset and success.

Kind thoughts...

Sara (Hugs)

[Guest_4093]

Sara,

Thankyou for your kind words. I know I am truly lucky to have an amazing wife and family for support. I am also lucky to have colleagues whom have been to my surprise very understanding.

I am, and intend to keep reaching out to everyday people who I see struggling or not being them selves as I know how important something as simple as "are you ok mate" or "if you wanna catch up for a coffee and a chat" can be in your time of need.

Regards,

Andrew

[Just Sara]

Bloody well said...Kudos and good luck...Sara