How to cope with feeling like I am losing grip on reality?

[TrippyMcGuire762]

So I, (M), have recently been through a period of extreme stress after having car issues that required me to shell out a large sum of money to repair it as well as take a loan from my dad to cover it. I've also been working 70+hr weeks at my job (crisis counselor). Laugh all you want but I just can't put into practice what I tell everyone I deal with and so, all this week, I have been dealing with severe anxiety. I also have MS and I know that can make things worse. Today it did. It culminated in me feeling like I was losing grip on reality. I talked to a counselor friend I know and kinda got things calmed down but it still doesn't feel like my meds are working and it still feels like I am losing it? Does anyone here have any advice for how to bring things back under control? Its like I can give advice, but when it comes to following it, I am horrible.

[Megapanda]

Hello. Sounds like you had a very stressful time . And no I don't think it's strange that you can give advice but not take your own advice. It can be very difficult when your in the moment and just because you are experienced in counselling doesn't make it any less harder in fact it can make it worse as you feel like you should know/ be able to cope . , Plus you have to listen to everyone else's difficulties . If you have only started medication it can take a few weeks to start seeing effects and some can take up to 6 weeks . Plus if you are taken a type of antidepressants or any anxiety medication you may have go try more than one or change dose to get the best results. Until then you can try meditation . There are many mediation YouTube videos , also balance is a very good app and has a free year trial . Also journalling helps . Any type of exercise / physical activity I understand you have ms but movement really helps reduce stress if that's possible for you . Also getting sunlight and being outdoors with nature .

This is a good video that talks about how stress works

youtu.be/FzFXObAqUtY(Not working as expected?)

Don't forget you been though a lot and it's natural to feel stressed . Please take care

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to Megapanda]

I've been on the meds since march and they have been working. Just doesn't seem like it is today.

[Agora1]

Hi TrippyMcGuire it's been a while since you've been on this site.I'm not surprised that you are struggling with high intense stress right now

along with car repair expense. I've always been in a high stress job but then

again I don't have MS which could very well be contributing to your stress as well.

Medication and counseling helps but since you do that for a living it might be

better to work on the physical symptoms more than the mental ones.

I have a place in my home which is my "quiet room". I don't retreat to bed because

I want to keep that as my place to sleep only.

I make sure that each night I make time for myself to sit quietly and breathe.

Needed is a comfortable chair, a small pillow behind your lower back, a blanket

across your legs and lowered lights.

After you are positioned comfortably, drop your shoulders down away from your ears

and breathe. This is your time to regenerate from the day's stressful events.

Should an unwanted thought(s) come into your mind, allow them to pass and once again

breathe and go into your quiet place.

Sometimes sipping on a hot mug of tea can help calm and relax your inner stress.

This little ritual does not have to last long, maybe 15 minutes or so. As your body looks

forward in coming home to this "me time", you will respond quicker as well as it lasting

longer. I so wish you well. You give so much to others who need your help but now it's

time to take care of YOU. Namaste my friend xx

[Midori]

70+ hours a week is a long week. And with MS, it's no wonder you are feeling unwell.

To help others effectively, you should first be taking care of yourself, so that you can advise clients appropriately. You can't work at that pace under stress.

I know times are difficult with Covid and all, but is there any way you can reduce your workload? Part time working, or alternate days, maybe?

Your body has already given you a warning, you need to heed it, or you may well find yourself in big trouble physically.

You may be interested that there is a Community specialising in MS here, Look it up in the search bar under MSAA.

Cheers, Midori