Major life change causing physical anxiety symptoms to return... Have I made a mistake?

[ccrr]

Hi, I haven't written on here for many years as the minor anxiety symptoms I had experienced previously had subsided.

However, one year ago I had my first anxiety attack and several months of physical anxiety symptoms including several days off work - all very much based on specific stressors at work, and I left my job (teaching). I took several months off and have been travelling and enjoying life again with no anxiety whatsoever but also out of reality and routines.

I finished my travels two weeks ago in Central America and I have now been offered a job there. It is my dream job in my dream schools and in a city I loved and which ahs a thriving expat community and a really lovely place. I have always wanted to teach overseas so I accepted the job.

However, since accepting it the physical symptoms I have suffered with previously have returned - I've spent the last 10 days with no appetite, feeling nauseous and exhausted, have ongoing cough and cold symptoms, have had shortness of breath a and lack of focus, can't concentrate and have found socialising difficult. As a result I've spent the Christmas period not getting any practical things done for a move to Central America - I should be leaving in 2 weeks but haven't even booked flights yet.

I am terrified of going and being alone and my anxiety coming back even worse than it already has. I'm worried that it's the fact that I've taken another teaching job that is triggering the fears associated with my previous anxiety, even though the job is very different and will not have the same issues. I'm almost certain that if I just get myself there I will be fine and love it and - although I'm sure there will be difficult days - this will not be an issue. But I'm so scared that I have made a mistake and shouldn't be going and it's ruining the time I do have at home because I'm so scared.

My biggest fear is to not go and regret it forever.

[Agora1]

ccrr, don't make that mistake in allowing fear to control your decision. It is a dream

of a lifetime that may only happen once. You have all positive aspects just waiting

for you. Life gave you a new path to travel, one that may make you the happiest

you've ever been.

I'm not surprised at all by anxiety rearing it's ugly head right now. Remember anxiety

is all about a thought. One that is making you doubt yourself. This is your life and you

are in control of your decisions not anxiety.

Book your airfare, start planning and packing. The world is waiting for you. You are going to be Central America's "shining star". Good Luck and keep us updated. xx

[hypercat54]

Hi it's natural to have anxiety making a big life decision like this. I suffered the same when I decided to move away from London many miles away to be closer to my only family. My sister said why not as I could always return and had nothing to lose. She was right and I will say the same to you.

I am twice your age and can tell you that it's not the chances, whether you succeed or fail, that you regret most. It's the opportunities you have missed. My advice is to go and not let your fears stop you from experiencing every thing you can in life. x

[marsbarr]

Hi. I think i understand . You are having anxiety and being anxious about your pending move especially as the days get closer. Make your travel arrangements and go live a dream and remember if it's not what you want, you can always go back home.