Feeling stressed and anxious all the time

Mental health
1

Hi. I just thought I’d come here for some advice and see if anyone else is experiencing the same type of thing. I’m often feeling really stressed in general, and very anxious. I always think the worst and have irrational thoughts about things happening. I often just feel really down with everything after worrying and lots of things on my mind, it makes me feel really down, the worrying I experience certainly isn’t normal and I sometimes feel it will never get better. I don’t know what to do to get out of this worried and down state of mind. I’m always worried about money even though I’m not in debt or anything, as one example, among many various things.

Basically I know it’s not normal

to have all these thoughts and worries, I’ve tried getting help but nothing made it any better.

2

Hi Harry

I'm sorry to hear of your stress and anxiety. It is horrible isn't it? I, along with many others will know how you feel.

For over 30 years I have used self help books and relaxation techniques, with varying degrees of success, but have found it exhausting to continually refer back to using these methods, even though they have helped me through some dreadfully difficult times.

I did not like to talk about my difficulties and tended to keep things bottled up inside me. I have had times when my GP prescribed anti depressants, and anxiety medication. Once, I had a breakdown at work. I went off sick for 8 weeks, but told flatmates I was going away on a holiday, when in fact I was going to stay with my parents. My flatmates never knew about the breakdown, and thought I was just going through a quiet period!

Horrible anxieties have recently re-surfaced, and this time I went to my GP and asked for help.

I have been referred to Talking Therapies (part of NHS), and so far, so good. I was offered a choice of online support, whereby I complete various questionnaires on line (strictly confidential), am offered advice and suggestions which make an interesting read. My supporter contacts me weekly online. I am only in my 3rd week of doing this, and it took me the first 2 weeks to get into the hang of it, but I'm going to continue with the programme. After all, it cannot do me any harm.

The other choice was to meet in a group session. The programme seems to have a degree of flexibility, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and changes to be made if thought appropriate. I understand it is a time limited programme. I have also been advised that a one to one, face to face service might be offered if thought to be appropriate.

PLEASE Harry, don't give up , even though it is all so hard. The NHS staff I have met have been helpful, accepting of me and my anxieties, and have not seemed at all surprised of things I have told them.

Do you think you might go back to your GP to discuss your concerns further?

I wish you "all the best"

xx

3

Harry, honey, have you always been a worrier? How long have you been feeling like this? Are you particularly stressed, or not really? I'm not referring to your worrying thoughts, if you know what I mean. I really do empathise and I with your plight because I'm exactly the same. I think about negative things and one thought leads to another, then another.. Its relentless. I ruminate, and my mind is worrying about one thing after another. Its relentless!Iusually get a bit of bit of respite but at this stage I'm tearful and emotionally drained. It sounds like a you could well be depressed, first port of call: see your doctor honey. It's not fair on you. I wouldn't wish it on anyone! Message me anytime honey and privately if you prefer, keep me posted. Donna xxx

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Please excuse typing errors!

5

Thanks for your reply. I’ve always been a worrier in general but it does feel as if it’s got worse. As you mentioned it just always stressing about everything and what ifs etc, it’s just so hard when you want to be happy but things like that drag you down, and yes I do feel very stressed in general. 

6

Thanks for your reply. Really appreciate be advice.