Anxiety

[BlueDolphin3]

Hi, everyone. New member here. I'm in my 30s and have been dealing with anxiety and depression since middle school. Since college, it has been only anxiety. My most current issues revolve around my anxiety affecting those in my home life (my fiance, his daughter, and our pets). I'm also a teacher. This covid year... as I'm sure you all can relate to.... has brought on many more mental health challenges. Between the inconsistencies at my job (school switching around all the time from virtual, to face to face, to hybrid, to whatever multiple times), and my regular anxiety issues, I know I'm affecting my at home relationships. When I'm overwhelmed and my anxiety is "up there" on a particular day, I'm insanely irritable, I move into rage (usually racing around the house all pissed off and cleaning things and being a jerk to anyone in my way), and sometimes eventually self harm. I hit myself, usually in the arms, legs, or head, to get the rush of body chemicals which are calming. I might get to the self harm level like once every 2 months. I'm on the highest dose possible of Paxil that my physician will give me. Paxil has worked in the past really well for me, but this time, it doesn't seem so great. Likely looking at trying a new medication soon, which gives me even more worries because we all know how long it takes to see if a medication is right for you, and what could happen during that time period when you're feeling "unprotected" without a medication. I like therapy a LOT and I've gone plenty times before, but even with my insurance, I just cannot afford to keep it up. So by joining this group, I'm hoping to ease that issue a bit. Hopefully can find some women in a similar boat to mine to just vent to. ✌❤

[BlueDolphin3]

Thanks for the reply and the reminder... I do need to remember in my down time how much I love music and poetry. My down time is my down fall for sure! In fact, I think I'll check out some poetry books from the library tomorrow and spend some time reading. Thank you!

[FearIsALiar]

Welcome to the group ❤️

[Tellmeaboutit]

vent away! anyone who doesnt wanna readit doesnt have two.

my one suggestion: exercise. when you feel like hitting yourself try jogging around the block a time or two. i also get irritable from time to time, and any little exercise always helps me calm down