I suffer from anxiety, although many people around me say that I don't appear anxious even when i feel it. When I was at college answering a question was hell, I would shake and I could hear my voice sound shaky too. I've had panic attacks in supermarkets quite a bit because once i go in i feel like i can't put my basket down and leave if i need to and hence feel trapped and then paying at self checkout i feel like im holding up the queue
Have you tried CBT? I'm on sertraline and have'nt found it that helpful for my anxiety, but a peer support worker in the hospital suggested mindfullness. How much sertraline do you take? Maybe you could have a look online to see what mindfullness consists of? Although I am assuming that your thinking goes a bit anxious and then the physical symptoms kick in? Sometimes letting a thought enter your mind but not ruminating/paying much attention to it can be helpful.
I don't understand why you feel like 'a fake' though...
sticks and stones may break your bones but words can tear your heart out.
Anxiety can be horrible, especially since you can be made to feel as though it is, as you say, fake and like you're making the whole thing up. As you describe, anxiety can take over your whole life, affecting normal daily and nightly patterns, meaning that you struggle to get through the day.
For me, personally, when my anxiety gets bad I try to surround myself with things that feel familiar and safe. That might be a soft toy that you've had for years, a comfy jumper, a warm room, a television programme that you love or a movie that you've watched so many times you could recite it by heart. Having those things in place can provide stability and can make you feel calmer. When you are in your anxious mind, it's also good to have something to focus on and knowing that you have that place to look forward to is a positive thing.
When I used to get extremely anxious at work, I ended up with panic attacks. This isn't something that I am on top of but having things around me massively reduced the impact. When I was on the till I would always, without fail, have a bottle of water with me. If I didn't, I would feel trapped. The other staff grew to just know that this was what happened and it became a 'quirk' - and now lots of people have a drink on the till! I started a revolution. I also bought some of the Rescue Remedy drops and would take them when I was stressed and add them to my water. I don't know whether they actually work but, from a psychological perspective, they do, so I used them. As well as this, I would have mints in my pocket and, on extremely bad days, I would take a little note with something nice someone had said to me on that I could look at so that my mood would lift and I could follow through.
Long-term, my anxiety has got in the way of things and has meant that I have needed to look into it in greater detail. I have had to become aware of what my 'triggers' are and to be mindful of them - that means that I need to put things in place so that I am more comfortable, such as telling my manager I need to know exactly what's happening at work and taking breaks in lectures when it gets too much. I needed to take the bull by the horns and face it, before it took control of me and I couldn't leave the house. Taking time off work as you have is a good idea because you can put foundations in place for stopping this.
Exercise, particularly running and Zumba/dance, have been absolutely pivotal in my release of nerves, stress and anxiety. As long as it isn't done past the critical point - so, sensibly (overdoing is worsens your anxiety) - the endorphins can make you feel calmer, more in control and more able to take on any situation.
My anxiety was also based upon my worries regarding other people hurting me. I don't know if that's a problem for you but I have needed more substantial help in targetting this and it is something I have worked on by running tiny experiments (such as testing whether someone will phone me back when they say they will). Professional support and some amazing friends have allowed me to make advances in this area. I don't know if that is any use to you.
I know this comment is largely about me but you asked us how we dealt with it, so that's just what I do. My head's a bit confused right now, so if it doesn't make sense let me know. If you have any questions, I'm only a PM away.
I also have anxiety, and I can relate with how you're feeling.
Echoing Cedrus, have you tried CBT? If not I highly recommend asking your doctor if you could try it. I'm currently in the middle of it and finding it extremely helpful. :)
I also find excercise to be helpful, as it helps burn off all my anxious energy and allows me to relax afterwards. Also it releases endorphins which put you in a good mood, and just generally help you to feel healthier. I don't enjoy sports, so I go to the gym to excercise, but if you like sports then playing them could be a bonus!
I suffer from anxiety relating to autism, and also have OCD. I have found CBT, because they're practical solutions to problems (unlike psychodynamic psychotherapy, which was sh*t).
Sertraline helps with my outbursts / meltdowns, but it's different for everyone. What dose are you on?
PM me if you want a PDF copy of the ICD-10or the Mental Health Act 1983/2007. I ALSO HAVE THE DSM-V BOOK and am a pharmacology student.
I have a visual impairment / neurological problems so I need people to type in clear text and no funny fonts. Also excuse any typos, my vision blocks things out.
I have autism and have problems communicating, PMs included.
Just becasue I type well doesn't mean I speak well. I am only part time verbal.
I suffered with anxiety a lot when I was younger. It was hellish. I still get it sometimes now.
I agree as previously mentioned with trying CBT and mindfulness and finding stratigies to beat it. Avoidance isn't the answer. You need to tackle it face on for it to go away. I hope with your time off you manage to calm your mind and find something's to jelp you through.
Life can be beautiful if you let it.
Step back, breathe and take it in
I am incredibly anxious pretty much all the time, and it's particularly bad at the moment. I am on Mirtazapine which is meant to be good for anxiety. Currently going to a weekly anxiety psycho-educational group, but as I did Psychology at university, it's all a bit repetitive. I hope you feel better soon x
My top tips are:
Get professionals on side ie: find someone you trust and don't forget to take responsibility between meetings etc
Find a Psych/Doctor who can prescribe if needed and be honest, if they don't listen find someone else.
Anxiety, I find can be tricky. Physical health issues are more...umm..obvious but mental health is often hidden so if you haven't got good support it can be hard.
