Anxiety

[Livsal]

Hi everyone, I am new in this forum. I had been looking for a place of support for a while and I am happy to have found one. I have started experiencing severe anxiety attacks earlier this year after a job change that went really wrong. I left a 10 year job position for something that was supposed to be better but realised really quickly that it wasn't. As I need money, I accepted another position in a less challenging role. I sometimes don't even have much to do. I still need to talk to my supervisor to propose taking on more things but I can't shake the anxiety of going into work and feeling I have made a mistake by leaving my old job (even though I had good reasons to do so) and accept this one.

I have an extremely loving partner who has been of amazing support through this whole process.

I am tired of getting up anxious and of feeling I have lost sight of my usual spark and energy. And I am slowly starting to feel I might give up, which is scary and don't want to do.

Other things have happened this year, all small but important which have added up on everything else.

I have tried meditation, and I exercise a lot.. If anybody has any tips on how to cope with the hole I feel in my stomach and the constant urge to cry all day, I would appreciate it. And a big hug to all. You are very courageous (and I try to tell myself that too :))

[teemo1]

Hi Livsal,

I'm in a similar situation. Over a year and a half ago, a very long term contract job came to an end and I was offered another similar contract job in the same company, so I took it. The new job is tedious and the work doesn't seem that important. But it pays well and it's close to home, and I have a family to support, so I just feel trapped. I've had severe anxiety and panic attacks since starting this new job.

I should at least be trying to figure out a better way to make a living, but I feel tired and unmotivated. It's especially hard to take action when I feel dizzy from anxiety. I just keep wanting to get to the end of the day and the end of the week. Then it's Monday again. Mondays are extremely harsh.

I've been doing guided meditations using the Headspace app. I think it helps in the long term if you keep it up awhile. I also read self help books and do journaling, which helps, and when it gets really bad I take a CBD gummy (100 mg). But I know that I really need to get out of this work situation somehow.

[Livsal in reply to teemo1]

Hi teemo1,

Thanks for your response and sharing your experience with me. It makes me feel less lonely. Even when you have a support network, it is difficult to feel they get what's going on.

I feel exactly like you. So I will follow your advice and try these meditations more consistently.

What books have you read? I read one by an Irish author (the d. A. R. E strategy or something similar :)) and would love more recommendations.

I hope things get better for the both of us soon. Or at least I am happy to help each other feel less trapped.

[Dogmom55]

Welcome! I got pretty bad about a month ago where I was having panic attacks so bad I was not functioning well. I started the following: CBD Oil, guided Mediation through Headspace ( teemo1) actually gave me that idea, and I started this group. I really think now it's a combination of all that has really helped me. Being able to get on here and talk to others that understand me has been amazing! Everyone has been so supportive! If you need to talk I am always available!

[Livsal in reply to Dogmom55]

This is very useful! Thanks!!!!

[Made4Match]

Hello Livsal,

Welcome! Thank you for opening up and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with us. I have so much respect for your ability to do so. For starters, I'd like to share that I believe you're so strong. You're strong for waking up everyday and continuing to show up in your life, your work and your relationship. Please take a second to pat yourself on the back and realize have amazing YOU are!

I'm so happy to hear you have someone in your life who is so supportive of yourself and your goals. Having someone who can support you is such an incredible gift!

Some of the first things that come to mind for me when it comes to managing my anxiety has been through prayer and writing. Prayer has brought me so much peace internally. Writing my thoughts out everyday has been something that has greatly helped me.

In addition to writing and prayer, something that has helped me manage my anxiety has definitely been self-care. You shared that you've included exercise into your schedule, which is great! But, have you found something that you can do for yourself everyday even if it's just been for 15-20 minutes?

I personally find taking that time to myself to process and decompress everyday has helped. Some mornings this can be taking a bubble bath and visualizing my day or possibly closing my door at lunch while doing some stretches. I've found that taking those minutes to listen to my body and what I'm feeling has made all the difference in managing my anxiety.

Again, please know how strong you are! If you'd like to chat more, please feel free to message me.

[Livsal]

Hi Made4Match,

Thank you for your thoughtful response! And for your insight and experience. I had a very rough day today, trying to hide my anxiety during working hours and needed to hear those words. I need to find a way to not blame myself for taking the risk of making a job change and knowing I am not tied to it (even though I need the salary to pay for rent and every day stuff). Even writing these words make me cry.

I need to try journaling so as to be able to get out of my head a bit. I have found that listening to podcasts about anxiety calms me down as it makes me feel less alone. But I do need to find that 15 to 20 minute activity for me. In the meantime, talking to you all also helps me feel understood. So thank you for responding, it means the world to me!

My partner does his best and he is amazing in holding my hand. But most of the time I feel guilty for what I feel and end up feeling more like a burden rather than a companion.

I will also try your suggestions to find me-moments to stretch and anchor my head in my feelings and body rather than only thoughts.

And thanks for calling me strong! I struggle to believe myself when I say it so it helps to hear it from others

A bug hug!