I to have anxiety issues and have just been signed off work for a week, as i cannot remember what i should be doing, does anxiety effect

[Jo-H]

anyone else this way. It makes me feel like I want to run away but apparently this is the fight or flight reflex. How do you overcome this

[Hidden]

HI Jo x I used to pride myself on having such a good memory and then anxiety came along, and now I seem to forget the silliest of things x From words to actually doing things, its common x The fight or flight can make you want to run and hide yes, as our bodies sense danger that is not present. I think in overcoming it, its really a case of knowing how much the individual is affected, as sometimes meds can help other times therapy is better x Maybe if you go to see your gp and ask for some further help and understanding x I dont know if we have spoken before or if you are new here x so will say hi to you xx Keep posting and asking questions and people will help x Donver x

[Jo-H in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Thank you for replying, I do have meds from my doctor i was taking trazadone but they have changed me to metazapine. I go back to work tomorrow after being signed off, i wouldnt be going back yet but i do not get sick pay. I hope the metazapine starts to work as the anxiety seems to be there from when i wake up until i go to sleep. Does anyone find that exercise helps at all Jo X

[Hidden]

Hi Jo

Welcome

It is quite common when you are suffering with anxiety to feel you are forgetting everything

I think it is like a coping mechanism where are minds are saying they need a rest & if you can try & accept this & that it is anxiety it does make things easier rather than trying to fight how you feel as that causes more anxiety ( I know that's easier said than done ) but it does get easier

Keep talking on here it does help to know you are not alone & you will get lots of support & people understanding just how you are feeling & offering good advise

Love

whywhy

xxx

[Hidden]

Hi,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are suffering in this way. Anxiety certainly can do that to you, it did to me. My consultant suggested 2 things for me that if I was really disciplined about, helped enormously when I was working. The first was every hour to take a break, by this it means physically leaving the chair/desk/room or whatever your job may be and finding somewhere quiet (locked toilet cubicle perfect as long as they are clean and fragrant obviously) and sit if you can or stand. Secondly was to breathe for 4 counts in and 6 out (nose not mouth). I also found it helpful to place my hand on my chest to follow the slow breaths in and out, as it kind of anchored me to the calmness in my chest. Do this for 5 minutes on the hour, every hour, even if you feel fine and as if you could carry on for a bit longer. The hardest part is being disciplined enough to do it when you aren't feeling particularly anxious when the hour has passed by.

I told my boss that I would be doing this on advice from the Dr, and in doing so it meant I was able to work more effectively and stay at work where I may otherwise have left.

It's not a cure, or even a quick fix, but good as a coping strategy for the 'here and now' anxiety that takes over your thoughts so it's difficult to concentrate, or if you feel suddenly overwhelmed. I hope it helps you xxx

[Jo-H]

I am over whelmed with the kind words of support and the suggestions of things that could help me cope at work, but more than that people who actually feel the same as me. I feels better just to speak on here to people who feel the same. Thank you xx

[Photogeek]

Hi Jo. Anxiety makes you absent minded. I write a short list of Important

Things that I need to do daily.

Also don't fight against it, try and take deep breaths and distract yourself.its

Just the body get over sensitised whe. We are anxious. Try not to get scared.

Hannah x

[Jo-H]

Back to work tomorrow and I am feeling awful, unable to think about anything else and permanently close to tears, how do you lot deal with this, i feel like this everyday