express and destress

[joyfuljess]

Hi? Is that how you start one of these of do you just delve right into it?

So there is no one topic for typing this down, it's more of an outlet to get rid of all these thoughts and feelings inside my head. I've always been anxious for more than half my life, whether it was dealing with social situations or simply just everyday activities. I am no stranger to anxiety/panic attacks, since coming more aware of my anxiety and triggers I don't have them as much but this morning I could feel myself on the verge of having one and found myself crying asking my mum to stay home from work. I'm currently looking for work and will be starting a course in April, so for the time being iv been an active job seeker and working with an employment provider who yesterday told me they had a "possible" job interview for me to attend tomorrow. So naturally that played on my mind all night which rolled over to this morning and I don't know why i was so anxious and stressed, maybe it was the fact that I didn't know where the area of the job was located or that I was just scared and nervous of being faced with a possible new opportunity but it really struck a chord with me. Even now as i type this down, i am dreading the sound of phone ringing and them confirming the interview, my phone made a noise from a message and that made my heart skip a little.

I don't know if i am being dramatic, everyone i know does say i'm a hypochondriac so who knows but i just feel overwhelmed and i needed to vent.

[Zeal]

Hey joyfuljess,

Welcome to the forum!

You can certainly say hi and then delve straight in!

This anxiety seems to be really affecting your life, so it's important that you seek help soon. Have you talked to a professional about your anxiety/mental health before? It's best to make a long appointment with your doctor (GP). They will chat with you about your concerns and symptoms, and may refer you to someone else for more personalised help. I'm glad that you have support from your Mum. Try to ignore anyone who says you are a hypochondriac, because this is an unhelpful criticism that does not reflect what you're going through.

Being with an employment provider is great, and it sounds as though, despite the anxiety, you are being proactive in job-seeking. I bet you are far more capable and strong than you realise! When you get really anxious in the moment, small practices of mindfulness can help. Free mindfulness exercises are available online. Here's a good site: https://www.livingwell.org.au/mindfulness-exercises-3/

Here are two resources that you can save to your computer for reference. These are not a replacement for in-person professional support, but are still useful resources:

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=46 (anxiety)http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=44 (panic attacks)

This Beyondblue website has fact sheets under Get support and The facts (menu bar). Your Mum may like to read the info in Supporting someone.

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[joyfuljess]

Thanks Zeal,

ill be checking out those sites and showing my mum the links you've provided.

🙂