Always on egg shells and tense

If someone gives me a back rub I am always told I am very tense!

I am in my 40s but walk around just waiting to be yelled at or have negative remarks thrown at me all day long!

As I am in kitchen trying to make food, every time I hear my father make a noise I get all tense and nervous hoping he is not coming in to the kitchen. Sometimes I think he does it on purpose because he knows I don't want him near me! I have to rush and I get all frazzled and start dropping things. I am just waiting for him to yell at me and waiting for the next negative comment to be thrown at me.

I have to use a fan all day to block out the noise of him. If I can hear him breathing or coughing I just want to scrape my nails down my arms and make big red marks. I can't stand when people are sniffing over and over. I can't wait for the day when I no longer have to look at him.

Hello fijiisland: Yes, I also carry around allot of anxiety. Today I was baking some bread. I got behind on some other things that needed doing... result... major anxiety attack! One of the things that needed doing was to take the dog for his walk. So, as soon as I could, I did that... a nice long, quiet walk. It helped. I know when one is stressed anyway, sounds such as the ones you describe can just put one over the edge. I hope you can find some ways of calming yourself. Unrelenting stress is tough to live with...

Anxiety is a heavy burden that manifests itself in many ways. Being jumpy or expecting the worse is very common with anxiety. Irritability is a common symptom as well. When you hear that unpleasant sniffling, take a deep breath. I know it sounds silly, but think about happy things. If you find yourself incredibly burdened, see a therapist or try a medication.