Struggling to cope with high anxiety all the time

[arielseamermaid]

I'm constantly anxious at the moment, I can't sleep properly, my chest is always a bit tight and sometimes painful, my stomach is in knots and I can't get my thoughts straight.

I'm super busy in work and I know this is 99% of the problem, there isn't enough staff and the pressure is high. I love my job and love what I do, no one at my work would ever even consider me to be an anxious person as I'm loud and outgoing. I have an excellent poker face.... I do well in my job and am in a senior position but because of this I almost feel like I'm rewarded with more work but I'm at breaking point.

I get home and I barely speak to my SO my mind is fried and I constantly feel on the edge of having a panic attack.

What can I do to feel better? I don't really want to go down the medication route as I prefer more natural approaches. Any help so much appreciated as I just can't keep going like this.

[Janieliza]

Ahhh the famous poker face. My colleagues knew nothing...i worked with these ppl sometimes 20+ hours a day esp if we were away for days at a time and I hid it for over 10 years. What used to make me anxious...i now thrive but it took alot of work to get there. The chest tightening is horrendous...its almost like you can feel someone squeezing your heart. Please take some deep breaths. So, in thro your nose...1,2, 3, 4 and out thro your mouth sloooowly 5, 6, 7, 8. Repeat this until you feel abit calmer. I also found a good cough helped my chest. Just be careful that you don't pull a muscle...only I could do that!?!?!?. I do hope you start to feel better. I also used to write how I felt like my life depended on it...and it really works. Also try stretching...i know this sounds stupid but when my breathing became erratic and I knew it was anxiety, I started doing sit ups...it works! And hope....im not religious in the slightest but faith doesn't have to be about the big G. Have faith that you won't always feel like this. I learned to live with it and it me...i know it's hard....youll get there. Janie

[Hidden]

You’re probably not going to like my answer (!), but I’m been exactly where you are. Your story/symptoms are so familiar to me. I’ve had anxiety my whole life. Tried going the natural route, using coping strategies, etc for years. Suffered in silence, as they say. Had an excellent counselor I saw every week. Nothing helped. I felt absolutely miserable. Finally decided to consult a psych and get on meds. It’s been about 5 years now, and I feel great. My symptoms rear their ugly heads once in a blue moon, but generally I feel “normal!” I wouldn’t give up the meds for anything now. They enable me to not only function, but to be productive and happy. I will be thinking about you and your journey, whichever road you choose. My very best to you.