I don't know what the deal is with my anxiety

I've had problems with depression and anxiety for a long time. For the last few years, I've managed pretty well and haven't been too distressed by them. Recently though, I've noticed my anxiety getting worse.

I've found myself getting overly worried about things that normally don't affect me. We had some changes at my job a couple months ago, and since then, I find myself feeling very anxious before I have to go to work. Once I'm there, I'm fine, but so anxious beforehand. Last week, I had to go to a CPR class to get recertified (I've been to several of them before, as it is a requirement for my job) and I was freaking out about the demonstration part all day long. I had done the online class portion already and knew all my information, but I was so freaked out...and like I said, I've done this before!

I worried about going to the doctor last week for something routine. I had seen this doctor before, no issues with him, but again, I was anxious beyond probably what was reasonable for the situation. The appointment went fine.

I took my 14 month old son to get some professional pictures done yesterday. Sounds like something that should be fun, right? I worried about it all day before the session and the session went great.

I find myself not wanting to talk to people, even my own friends. This is not like me. I'm normally a sociable person. I'm finding myself withdrawing more and more from people and I don't know why. There's really nothing specific to my worries...mostly afraid something will go wrong or something.

There has been a great deal of stress in my life the last few months, primarily my husband being out of the country (that's a whole other story) and financial issues. I'm on low dose Ativan and I've found myself needing it more to calm my panicky feelings. I know I need to talk to somebody about what's going on, but I have a hard time asking for help (which I know is not good) and wouldn't even know how to start the conversation, especially given the fact that I have felt more withdrawn recently.

Does anybody have any experience with these kind of feelings? Any advice or feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.

I can completely relate to all of what you just said. I panic over things that I've done and I "know" I'll be ok, I just don't feel like I will be ok kwim? I think that's part of the generalize anxiety disorder.

I'm sure you've heard to take deep breaths when you are feeling anxious, sometimes it helps me, sometimes not. Usually the times it doesn't is because I'm too out there to remember how to take deep breaths.

I'm also taking ativan (and cipralex) and when I do take the ativan (which I'm very overly cautious about doing), I've noticed I'm almost guaranteed a panic the next day. I think it's my body's way of saying "hey, remember that easy stuff in your purse?"

I have a hard time talking to my doctor about it because I'm not good with doctors (whole other story). I'm trying to think of it in another way for you....as in something other than asking for help. Is there another angle you could approach it from?

Sorry, I don't think I was all that helpful, guess it's still too early for that but I do understand how you are feeling. Hopefully someone who's more functional will have good advice

It's just helpful that someone understands where I'm coming from. I try to remember to breathe when I feel anxious, and it helps for a few seconds then I feel anxious again. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like some people get more benefit out of it. I had a therapist once tell me that I need to "practice" breathing in order for it to work. I've tried and "practiced" every kind of breathing exercise for anxiety that I've come across, but it just doesn't seem to have any lasting effect for me.

Thank you for your input

Hi, I sure can relate to the anxiety, I had no choice a few months back to just practice breathing and relaxing as I couldn't get in to see a doctor for all most 3 weeks. My anxiety got soooo bad! I was real depressed. I try and remember to stay in the moment as much as I can, that seems to help. If I find my mind wondering I just tell myself... Is there anything I can change? Is it really important to worry about now? Will it change anything if I keep worrying. Other than that I tried to hide! lol! Now I am on antidepressants and they seem to be helping somewhat. I hope some of this helps you if not at least you know you are not alone.

I can relate alot to this, you are so not alone. My anxiety has been bad lately, then when my anxiety gets bad the depression will start to kick in too. According to stuff I have read & been told, any kind of change can affect anxiety. Even if it's a "good" change. For example, you said they have changed some things at work. Your husband is out of the country, that's probably a change as well. I have found that I usually have to have a "adjusting" period when things change. I'll usually feel thrown off for a few days then I just try & settle into a new routine. Hope this helps at least a little.

What is your experience of change in the past, previous to the change at your job? Often past experience can colour the present.

It does sound like your anxiety with your husband being away, etc. is changing your feeling "status quo". I would maybe find a friend or counselor you could touch base with, or join a women's/mother's group, something where you could touch base with others and kind of even out your individual responses to what you're doing with a group response (other people have the same sorts of day-to-day problems/stresses we do and listening to them complain or go through them can help us feel more a "part" of it all and lower our individual stress?).

Thank you for all the suggestions. I hate that other people are feeling the same way, but it is helpful to talk to people who really understand. Thank you so much.

Just to make sure I'm understanding your question, are you asking what my opinion of change has been in the past? Change is hard for me...being prone to anxiety, familiarity is very helpful in soothing my fears. Usually after a day or two, I'm okay again.

I hope I'm understanding your question correctly

Yes. I guess I was also asking about any major changes you had in your growing up years.
What is it that you're afraid of, with change?

Thanks for this post. I'm very new here and don't feel like I can contribute too much to the conversation; but if feedback is contributing... I got some comfort from your words. Thanks!