Anxiety

[Jstbcuz]

Is anyone else feeling anxious about the world? I have an anxiety disorder and some days it's worse than others. I'm 57 years old, been married 37 years, have 3 grown daughters. Lost my first born to cancer at age 6. I am a perfectionist which gets me into trouble. I have yet to find a job where people actually follow the rules. I love older ppl. I love taking care of them. My problem is when I have to much tome to think I get anxiety.

[CalicoPurpl90]

Hello,

I have also been feeling very anxious about the world and have an anxiety disorder as well. I know what you're going through as my anxiety for the most part is on a wavelength, some days are better than others but it always seems to go up and down for the most part. I have recently become paranoid and super anxious about driving and I'm not sure why. I used to drive everyday and even had to commute to work, now I'm only driving a few days a week and fear I may get into a wreck or something after getting behind the wheel. It is not rational, I know, I am trying to work through that anxiety with myself and with my therapist. I am a major perfectionist and absolutely hate making mistakes. I will admit when I am wrong but always feel really bad afterwards, even if it was only a small mistake. To avoid being in my head too much, I try and get out as much as I can. Even something as simple as taking a walk in my neighborhood can calm me down. I know everyone is different, but hopefully that may be help a little.

[Jstbcuz in reply to CalicoPurpl90]

Thanks for responding. My name is Deb. I know what you mean, anxiety can be crippling. I went for a TB test for a job and when they took my blood pressure it was high. It scared me to death!!! Now, I am super worried. I have a physical on Tuesday and will talk to my Dr. My BP is never high so I am worrying. I think the way the world is, is causing everyone's anxiety and BP to rise.

[starlightgirl]

Hi, I hope this reply finds your mind in a peaceful place.

I totally understand how the events in our world are contributing to your anxiety. The world around us has changed dramatically,leaving lots of us feeling unsafe.

Although I don't have the answers, I can offer what helped me. First, I stopped watching all the news conferences and the updates on the virus, stopped reading every bit of info out out every day. I get the top stories and that's it. There's far too much sad news,irritating news out there, and for someone like us who live with anxiety, it's a virtual nightmare.

I started watching funny movies, old shows, listening to happy music, and reading good books. I even listen to audio books in my car to escape.

I make sure I get outside every day and enjoy the day.

I call someone every day , people who are positive influences.

We have a lot in common I think! We are close in age,I am 62. I have been married for 38 years. I worked for 18 years at an independent living facility where I worked as Recreation Director. I, too, have always enjoyed working with seniors.

And I am here because I also suffer with periods of terrible anxiety that often cripples me. We are not alone.

I hope that my tips might help you in a small way.

Wishing you peace

[Jstbcuz in reply to starlightgirl]

Thank you so much for responding. Yes your tips and just knowing that I am not alone is very comforting. I did stop watching the news. Luckily the weather has been nice so I have been outside. We have almost an acre of land so yesterday I push mowed the backyard then tractor mowed the front and sides. It felt great. I love funny movies, so I will find some to watch. I am definately going to walk today as well. That is going to be a major routine, I can do it in our neighborhood, we live outside of town so it's not busy. Thanks so much for responding!! I know this to shall pass, from past episodes of anxiety. If you ever need a lending ear feel free to email me at [e-mail]. thanks again!!

[Jstbcuz in reply to Jstbcuz]

I am happy to report that I do not have high blood pressure. I went to my physical and talked to my Dr. She said under no circumstance am I to use a battery operated blood pressure cuff. They always read high. It's so weird that something like that can cause so much anxiety. But I feel so much better. Obviously there us something bigger that is stressing me and I think it's the way the world us right now. So, I made an appt with my therapist and work things out. I pray everyone is figuring out there anxieties.

[CalicoPurpl90 in reply to Jstbcuz]

Hey Deb,

That's great to hear that you do not have high blood pressure. I can certainly understand how that could be distressing for someone. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I am still figuring out my own anxieties as I am sure everyone else is. I have weekly appointments with my therapist. His office is supposed to be opening back up next month with extra precautions in place (masks required, sanitizing/disinfecting surfaces frequently, patients called in one at a time and not sitting in the waiting room, etc.) I told him I would be interested in talking in person with safeguards in place as I find that to be a lot easier. I get nervous talking on the phone but I am starting to get more comfortable talking with him. I usually write down some things to talk about so the conversation doesn't get too sidetracked. I hope everything goes well with you and your therapist.