Never ending anxiety

[elainepstroud]

Hi, I am so glad to have found this site. I thought I might be going mad! I reckon my anxiety started in my late tens after both my patents died. I didn't really deal with it then and simply carried on with my life. It was Dec 21st when my mum died and given it was so near to Xmas I think i didn't really get a chance to grieve. I am now 54 and have held senior jobs but in recent years my anxiety has made it hard for me to hold down anything for very long. Wish anxiety was dealt with properly in our society. My GP was annoyed when I said pills were mere sticking plasters and CBT rather ineffectual given it is only 6 weeks and the quality of the therapists is rather dubious. I would be interested to hear about others stories dealing with this horrible condition.

[Lisa6521]

I totally get where you're coming from. I'm 52, and have had chronic anxiety for 30+ years, although I was quite an anxious only child. I'm not sure how I deal with it - it often comes in waves; I can have good weeks, then boom, it's back with a vengeance. Personally, I don't like CBT, although I understand what it tries to do in principle. As a couch potato (!), exercise really does help, but when you're anxiety is at fever pitch, going for a walk or swim isn't an option. I've not really been much use, but you aren't alone. That's what I wanted to say.

[elainepstroud in reply to Lisa6521]

Thank you so much. That really helps. I agree with walking. Having two dogs means I have to do this. No excuse even though there are times I don't want to! Oh and your comments on CBT are similar to mine. I find it interesting but ineffective.