Anxiety?? I don’t know!!

[Jcb2019]

I feel confused. My mind is playing tricks on me. I was diagnosed with a severe panic/anxiety disorder in 2018. To sum it up I have some slight childhood trauma and in 2018 was in a 4 year VERY TOXIC relationship and the anxiety is actually what sparked the break up. I moved home to my dads which helped me heal but also didn’t end too well. At that time I got on medication which seemed to have helped, I have managed my anxiety since then however now I’m engaged in a healthy relationship (other than my own BS and wounds that show up) and experiencing anxiety and intrusive thoughts once again. It started out as just anxiety driving long distance by myself and turned into now interfering with my day to day life. I am in contact with my family and two friends but I cannot drive to see them because of my state which they’re aware of. Sorry this is long. I just feel stuck and scared. There are moments where the negative thoughts are so intrusive and scary and it feels like I’ll never get better. Anyways, just looking to hear of others stories I guess. Hoping everyone is well❤️

[DaveSpice]

Have you tried audio books when driving? When our kids were young we used to holiday in southern France and had a couple of Noddy audio cassettes, narrated by Richard Briers. His voice is very enthralling and it made the trip so much easier, nicer and quicker. I kept them in the car and would listen to them when I was on my own.

Now that I have reminded myself, I plan on downloading a few (childrens books) for future journeys.

[Bboris]

Anxiety is nothing to fool around with. Are you seeing a Dr. or a therapist? Are you on any anti-anx meds? If not, you should be.

[designguy]

Sounds like you would benefit from finding a therapist who specializes in treating trauma and c-ptsd to help you heal your childhood and relationship trauma which may also help you with your anxiety. My trauma therapist used emdr therapy which was very helpful in my healing and is very effective for treating trauma. Your unresolved trauma and conscious and subconscious fears, beliefs and patterns are interfering in your ability to have a healthy relationship with yourself and someone else.

I also found the DARE Anxiety book very helpful for learning how to accept the anxious thoughts and feelings and let them pass through me. They also have helpful videos on youtube and I also like their phone app, it's like having you own coach. Also, learning and practicing simple mindfulness is a very helpful tool to be able to disengage from your anxious thoughts.

Medication can help you mange but you still need to do the emotional work to be healed. It takes courage but is definitely worth it.

[Rosepetal60]

Could your friends drive half way to meet up with you ?