We all have a different threshold to anxiety disorder. And once we get into the vicious circle of fear causing symptoms causing fear causing more symptoms the disorder can become self-perpetuating, the original cause lost and forgotten.
But most of us are only too aware of what's prompting our unquiet mind. Often it's worry for a member of our family. Or a job we hate and working for a boss we loathe. Increasingly everybody is expected to do the work of two people and overwork causes unacceptable stress. Another culprit is money worry and concern about losing our home. Or relationships that have turned toxic with no easy means of escape.
The list is legion but whatever is the cause of our woes there is always an exit plan. Sadly by the time we are diagnosed with anxiety or depression we are too depleted by nervous exhaustion to feel like doing much about it.
But having an exit plan and doing something about it is a must. We must be ruthless in neutralising that which is the cause of our distress. We don't have to put up with s#*t like that forever. Don't we deserve peace of mind like everyone else?
The psychiatrist and writer Claire Weekes, whom I may have mentioned before🤗, had something to say about this. She said we should seek the advice of a wise and trusted friend as sometimes our tired minds don't see straight. It doesn't have to be a friend but someone whose good sense and discretion we can rely on. Maybe a minister of the church, someone we work with or an older relative. Or ask the people on this forum, isn't that what we're here for? Maybe seek out more than one opinion but we must be the judge.
Just having an exit plan gives new hope and can act like a tonic. There are jobs out there where your talents will be better valued. You don't have to live the lives of offspring for them, they'll learn by their mistakes soon enough. Complain about your workload, don't suffer in silence or spend leisure time working to meet fantasy deadlines. Or you can start putting something by for when you make the big break.
Imagine the relief, the weight off your mind, when you solve the insoluble problem. And the joyful release from nervous suffering it will bring. There really is no problem in the world that can't be overcome by the application of human thought.
