Anxiety

I share your pain. I was diagnosed with PTSD after an injury on duty. Add to that the anxiety of senior years and I, too, don't like to venture out much. At my worst I will sit in my armchair sewing and watching history programmes. It took me a long time to give myself permission to accept that and to relax into it.
When I'm feeling better I move about more, better still and I will go into my back garden. When I feel quite okay I go out into the world but there are certain triggers that will make m retreat back to my armchair.
There is nothing wrong with that. It is your mind needing to rest and heal.
In addition to this I am on medication which takes a good deal of th anxiety away....I call them my happy pills.
I realise how difficult it is to steal yourself to go to your GP but... in time I'm sure you will ...... you know you will benefit from this. You are not alone in this.
I am most fortunate that my husband is very supportive. He has witnessed me reacting to triggers and has had to deal with this.
Good luck. Our lives have moved far in advance of our minds ability to react.

You really need to see a doctor as soon as possible, but you must be motivated to get better once given advice. Nobody but yourself can do this as I know from experience with my sister.

My sister suffers from anxiety and she recommends the No More Panic website to anyone she hears of in the same situation. It helped her to know that others were going through the same thing, and she found the forums very useful.

www.nomorepanic.co.uk/

It's a bit of a catch 22 if you are too anxious to go to see the GP about your anxiety - I do feel for you. When I mentioned feeling depressed to my GP, she was very sympathetic and told me about the IAPTS service, which I think operates in most areas at the moment. I got a few weeks of counselling which did help me a lot. There are also medications which can help by taking the edge off your anxiety, if your GP thinks that would help.

www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/iapt/

Katy, sorry to hijack the thread bit if your doctor said he " didn't believe in handing out medication" he is in the wrong job.

There is no shame or weakness or failing connected with our minds, just as there is no shame in breaking a wrist and getting a plaster or being diabetic and taking insulin.

Something is wrong and there are things to fix it. It really is that simple.

Women are 4 times more likely than men to present with depression/anxiety. I wonder why. Could it be because we are empathic and sensitive and it all gets too much sometimes.

Hi aella, I really feel for you having had anxiety and depression for many years. I have seen the Dr on many occasions and have been on Citalopram for years. However I do a lot of self help now as I feel the Dr never attempts to get to the root of the problem. I belong to the No More Panic website where they discuss everything... have a look it might help release some of your problems. I also use the app called Headspace.... this is the best i have ever tried.... really calms me down with relaxation and meditation, worth a try. The other thing I use is music, I tune into Gold radio which is really upbeat with songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s... I only came by this by chance... the tv was so depressing and boring I looked elsewhere for background noise, I feel it has surprisingly helped the mood. Of course there are many self help books but I'm never sure they are much help and cost a fortune. Perhaps if you can't see a go these might help. All the best. X

GP... not go!

Aella!
DO get HELP ASAP you cant do this alone.
Sending virtual hugs.

Hello Aella, Sorry to hear that your anxiety is getting worse. Like others advise, if you can talk with your GP this would be a great first step but I appreciate that doing this can seem monumental. I think its great that you managed to post on this forum and that is a great start. The more you can express how anxious you are feeling, the more you will be getting it out into the open. Cognitive Behavioural therapy is a very effective treatment for anxiety. There are some very good self help resources online - GetSelf help and the Centre for Clinical Interventions (can just type in CCI and you should be able to find this). Perhaps taking a look at how to tackle the problem may help prepare you to see someone. I wish you all the best with your symptoms and feelings, anxiety can be very debilitating but it can also be overcome if you get the right help.

Hello Aella, so sorry you're feeling like that. You mention Rescue Remedy - did you know there are about 37 Bach Flower Remedies and you can mix up to 7 of them? Aspen is for free floating anxieties, up to and including panic attacks. That might help.
All the best

Can you show your DH your original post here? It might help him understand how you are feeling and that he will need to help you get some form of treatment.

I am so glad you have felt able to air your trouble here. This must have been very hard for you, but now you have taken that step perhaps you can tell your family what you are going through.

Don't try to deal with this alone. An anxiety disorder is not just being anxious, it is a recognised illness and there is treatment which takes time but is helpful. I suffer from it but I am much better than I was. It often takes me a long time to deal with things but I generally can do nowadays. I affects things that look silly to other people. I don't like dealing with things by phone although I used to be on it all day long when I worked. I have put off getting one of my heater's fixed although I pay for it through a service charge. I will get it done when I am in the right mood but a few years ago, I would have just left it. Treatment did work for me it. I still have anxiety attacks but rarely and I know better how to deal with them.
If your doctor does not help (they vary) see if there is a walk in mental health clinic in your area. I know that probably sounds like climbing a mountain but if you can steel yourself to make that one visit, it should start things off.

Very good you posted, aella. You're not alone. I have had bad times with anxiety like yours myself. Whatever you do or don't do, just know we care on here.

If you are too afraid to go to a doctor you could try a fully qualified homeopath - they can dispense tablets manufactured to your unique physical and mental state - those who say it doesn’t work have probably only bought over the counter items.
However, I do think you should try to gear yourself up to see a doctor eventually. It is such a waste of a life, you are missing so much enjoyment being stuck at home.

aella, do reach out please, there is help and support, just take that first step . Don’t allow the anxiety to rule you , when you take that first step you are on the road to recovery x

Please contact your doctor...there is help out there for you.

Does your doctor offer home visits. If so, make an appointment. You'll feel more comfortable talking about your anxiety and any other problems, in your own space.

I second Karenhappuch’s suggestion of getting in touch with No More Panic. There’s lots of good advice on their web page, and they have forums similar to Gransnet where you can get support from others in similar situations. Big hug ?

Do make an appointment to see your GP - asap.

Lots of hugs xx

As a trained psychotherapist, I found CBT absolutely hopeless. The NHS cannot afford psychotherapy. I must admit I am still struggling. My experience of CBT was putting negative thoughts in a box. Mainly ticking boxes by junior staff. This is a cheap solution which doesn't help people with mental health issues.

I agree Cattery girl. Have you thought about hypnotherapy?

My daughter has helped a lot of people with anxiety with this treatment

Just to add anxiety/depression sometimes are linked. Please jump into our Black Dog gang if you like aella.

Please come back aella and tell us what you are thinking! I have suffered from anxiety and depression most of my life and have had a lot of counselling. But it is really a matter of finding a treatment that works for you. The pills can be a good solution to start with, or in a crisis. Writing down how you feel and then burning it is another good idea. I also listen to meditation CD's and 'tap' when necessary. The last few suggestions are easy to do at home and are free! I also had agrophobia for a time and then also used the technique of counting - how many people have I walked past, how many white/red/black cars etc. It takes your mind off the anxiety. Do keep in touch!

call online help. or the samaritains. or talk to us.....i been there ,i didnt go out much at all. then i started voluntering at a charity shop.,

If you can access a computer try Breathing Space website. There is a lot of info there that could help but GP would probably be an essential step for you. I too have suffered both anxiety and depression, it's awful, debilitating and isolating. Be kind to yourself and seek help.