[nickycdv]

Hi everyone
it's taken me awhile to write on here because when I read all the posts I feel like a bit of a fraud. My worries and anxieties seem so trivial. However there are times when they make me feel physically ill and have a diverse effect on my family.
We went on holiday a couple of weeks ago and when we came back I felt really poorly. I think this is because I was so worried stressed and anxious virtually the whole time we were away. I barely slept at night and any travel by road was a complete nightmare. My whole body physically hurt with the fear I felt at times. I think I ruined it for my husband. He thinks I have panic attacks but I'm not sure it's that bad.
I just want to learn to manage my anxiety and become more rational. Any advice would be gratefully received.
Nx

[bridgie]

its never easy to have anxiety stress and worries. some of your stresses can they be reduced or eliminated? that can help a bit. breath work can help eleviate some of the symptoms of anxiety. it a 3 count breath calming effect. thats all i can say right now. when i have more for you i will definitely post. sorry its so little

[sundog]

Hi Nicky, I'm sorry you're having a difficult time. I can definitely relate to what you describe here. Especially the part where your body starts hurting from the anxiety and tension. I get a lot of physical symptoms with my anxiety and, as you say, just feeling very poorly.

Have you talked to a doctor about how you feel? If the anxiety is making you feel ill, it could be really helpful to do that. I have had anxiety issues on and off for many years (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and I also have panic attacks. For quite a while I tried managing it on my own by educating myself about Anxiety Disorders and doing all the "right" things, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet and meditating and practicing relaxation techniques. All that good stuff!! These things DO help and I still do them. But for me personally they weren't enough to manage my anxiety and I needed medication and therapy as well. Even with meds and therapy, I still struggle when it flares up badly, but these things definitely help.

So if you're finding that your anxiety is really effecting your daily life in a negative way and the standard self-help strategies aren't working, I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor about a referral for some therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be very helpful to help us change our perceptions and there is also something called Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindful...nitive_therapy,) which I personally like.

Good luck to you!

[nickycdv]

Thank you Sundog & Bridgie
I have tried some of the things you've both suggested. The pausing and breathing does help somewhat. It's good to know I'm trying the right things. I will read up more about managing strategies as you have Sundog.
As for seeing the doc - the trouble is and I guess it's a good thing is that most of the time I'm fine. It's just certain situations that seem to trigger off the anxiety. Perhaps I need to keep a log and see what and when and how frequently it occurs (although OH says it's getting worse). A big thank you once again - even the little things help Bridgie.
Nx

[Perna]

Maybe you need a little more "practice" with the situations that seem to trigger the anxiety (like driving/riding and being away from home/known situations/areas, etc.)?

[sundog]

Keeping a log sounds like a great idea! I'm glad it only happens in certain situations. That definitely makes things easier. Let us know how you get on!

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Hello nicky,

You know you shouldn't be so harsh on yourself. You concerns and worries, your fears and anxieties are ust as valid and make you just as vulnerable as anyone else. Those of us who suffer with this awful overwhelming disabiity are the only people who know what it feels like and in that regard make the best support option for each other. You can tell by the responses you have received that you are validated not denied in your feelings. When one is in a state of high anxiety the muscles will constrict and that causes great pain which will not ease until the body has passed through the phase the mind has created. Hope all goes well for you