Discussion
I don’t post much on here these days but it’s always been a good place for serious advice in some of the sub-forums.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I have been suffering from anxiety for a while now. I think if I’m honest it’s part of my character. I can remember some instances of it quite clearly from the age of 5 or 6 - although nothing especially bad happened to me to trigger it - I think it is likely an inherited trait.
Over the last few years a few traumatic events have magnified the feelings (difficult birth of my daughter, wife’s cancer diagnosis, issues with my hearing (I am a musician)) to the point that it really affects my state of mind and can border on panic attacks when I am under stress. This often manifests itself physically (particularly digestive issues, inability to think clearly, tinnitus, etc.) and these symptoms feedback and increase my anxiety even more if I think they are likely to cause an issue. The digestive one is particularly difficult and is more likely to flare up if I have limited access to toilet facilities.
It feels like it is becoming all-consuming, I have a week away from home in a few days and I am experiencing mood swings, inability to sleep, and of course the digestive symptoms which I expect to cause problems while I’m away (and I can feel myself getting wound up about it while I’m typing).
This has turned into a bit of a ramble, but where would people suggest I start in dealing with this? Clearly I need to speak to somebody - I am comfortable with the idea of therapy, I spent a lot of time talking to a professional about the psychological effects on my hearing and it helped a lot, but I am not sure where to start. There is a local IAPT NHS centre, are these good? It suggested a 2.5 week average wait which seems unbelievably good really…
Any and all advice gratefully received.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I have been suffering from anxiety for a while now. I think if I’m honest it’s part of my character. I can remember some instances of it quite clearly from the age of 5 or 6 - although nothing especially bad happened to me to trigger it - I think it is likely an inherited trait.
Over the last few years a few traumatic events have magnified the feelings (difficult birth of my daughter, wife’s cancer diagnosis, issues with my hearing (I am a musician)) to the point that it really affects my state of mind and can border on panic attacks when I am under stress. This often manifests itself physically (particularly digestive issues, inability to think clearly, tinnitus, etc.) and these symptoms feedback and increase my anxiety even more if I think they are likely to cause an issue. The digestive one is particularly difficult and is more likely to flare up if I have limited access to toilet facilities.
It feels like it is becoming all-consuming, I have a week away from home in a few days and I am experiencing mood swings, inability to sleep, and of course the digestive symptoms which I expect to cause problems while I’m away (and I can feel myself getting wound up about it while I’m typing).
This has turned into a bit of a ramble, but where would people suggest I start in dealing with this? Clearly I need to speak to somebody - I am comfortable with the idea of therapy, I spent a lot of time talking to a professional about the psychological effects on my hearing and it helped a lot, but I am not sure where to start. There is a local IAPT NHS centre, are these good? It suggested a 2.5 week average wait which seems unbelievably good really…
Any and all advice gratefully received.
Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough time. It’s ok to be feeling the way you are but not letting those feelings take over is key. Asking for help is the first step so you’ve already done that on here asking for suggestions. If it were me I would speak to your GP first just so you have begun properly and got the ball rolling. They might recommend something that can help with the symptoms such as your digestion issues. After that I would go to counselling. If you have the means to go private it’ll probably be much quicker and you’ll have a bigger choice. If you think it’ll help let it out on here. There is always some loon like me up at 3am willing to listen.
Edit : until you get to a point where you can manage things a little better maybe try and think about and plan you steps. For example. Plan where you think the loos will be so you know where to go. Might help relax the nerves.
One step at a time.
Edit : until you get to a point where you can manage things a little better maybe try and think about and plan you steps. For example. Plan where you think the loos will be so you know where to go. Might help relax the nerves.
One step at a time.
Edited by Carlososos on Wednesday 1st September 03:07
Edited by Carlososos on Wednesday 1st September 03:08
Go to the Dr to get peace of mind on the symptoms, he may recommend some blood tests as well, also have a chat about the possibility of meds just so you can a foot hold on your situation, he may decide you don't need them or maybe you don'r want them, after that mindfulness is the number one thing to focus on, find the root cause of your anxiety, one tip, don't try and fight it, let it wash over you, even invite it into your life, the key is to get bored with it , so in future instead of what if, you will say whatever.
Check out a thing called the DARE response, or The Anxiety Guy.
Check out a thing called the DARE response, or The Anxiety Guy.
My advice would be that if you can afford it, see a therapist privately. I suffered for years, from when I was about 16 up to a couple of years ago and it was quite often completely debilitating. I had counselling as a teen, after a fight with the doctors to get them to understand but they only give you a few sessions and they’ll probably just ask if you had a bad childhood repeatedly. I tried hypnotherapy which worked for about an hour afterwards… then 3/4 years ago I spent £60/session on getting some proper help and it has changed my life.
Everyone has anxiety, it is normal, you're experiencing heightened levels of it. Normalising it really helps to start to get your head around it. It could be down to stress, it could be chemical imbalance but there are lots you can do. I've been managing it for years, at times it seemed hopeless and it was impacting my job - now I rarely get issues.
Approach is similar to depression, try everything below and see what combinations work for you:
Therapy (look for CBT)
Self-help books (I'll dig through mine later)
Exercise! Probably one of the best responses, and has lots of other obv benefits
Cut down drinking, improve diet, sleep better.
Visit DR - I'm on citalopram, had to work to get levels right, but don't just use meds on their own, use the above as well. In the early days I also had propranolol tablets that I'd use before things like presentations (lots of musicians use it) but I haven't needed them for years.
Breathing/mental exercises - this is a great one for when panic attacks are brewing (or in play). There are two, one to lower background anxiety - and you can test the first - breath normally and time yourself for a minute - you'll be amazing at your rate. Then, breath in over count of 3, pause, then breath out over 4. Do for a few minutes (minute minimum) then repeat the first exercise - your background breathing will have lowered in rate (used in a lot of PTSD exercises). Also, when feeling panicky, ground yourself with this 5 count trick, first of all chose 5 things you can see, then 4 things you can hear, then 3 things you can touch, then 2 things you can smell, then one thing you can taste. Really puts you back in the moment - I do it when waiting for my turn on large presentations.
Good luck - it is all very manageable, just knowing that will reduce the impact of your anxiety levels.
Approach is similar to depression, try everything below and see what combinations work for you:
Therapy (look for CBT)
Self-help books (I'll dig through mine later)
Exercise! Probably one of the best responses, and has lots of other obv benefits
Cut down drinking, improve diet, sleep better.
Visit DR - I'm on citalopram, had to work to get levels right, but don't just use meds on their own, use the above as well. In the early days I also had propranolol tablets that I'd use before things like presentations (lots of musicians use it) but I haven't needed them for years.
Breathing/mental exercises - this is a great one for when panic attacks are brewing (or in play). There are two, one to lower background anxiety - and you can test the first - breath normally and time yourself for a minute - you'll be amazing at your rate. Then, breath in over count of 3, pause, then breath out over 4. Do for a few minutes (minute minimum) then repeat the first exercise - your background breathing will have lowered in rate (used in a lot of PTSD exercises). Also, when feeling panicky, ground yourself with this 5 count trick, first of all chose 5 things you can see, then 4 things you can hear, then 3 things you can touch, then 2 things you can smell, then one thing you can taste. Really puts you back in the moment - I do it when waiting for my turn on large presentations.
Good luck - it is all very manageable, just knowing that will reduce the impact of your anxiety levels.
Edited by ozzuk on Wednesday 1st September 09:00
Thanks for the replies, a few things to look into.
I've downloaded the DARE book and listened to a couple of Anxiety Guy podcasts for a start.
I have a work trip coming up (one of the reasons for this flare up) and once I get back from that I think I will start off by going to the doctor. I'm totally happy to pay for therapy, I went private for issues with my hearing (which was partly psychological) - this helped a lot although it was ludicrously expensive, not that I cared at the time. £60 a session or that ball park would be fine though.
I don't drink a huge amount anyway but I'm going to cut down on that. I run anyway as that helps massively with my state of mind. I have generally felt better today although fighting with Covid regulations for this foreign work trip has got me feeling anxious again now!
Thanks for the suggestions so far
I've downloaded the DARE book and listened to a couple of Anxiety Guy podcasts for a start.
I have a work trip coming up (one of the reasons for this flare up) and once I get back from that I think I will start off by going to the doctor. I'm totally happy to pay for therapy, I went private for issues with my hearing (which was partly psychological) - this helped a lot although it was ludicrously expensive, not that I cared at the time. £60 a session or that ball park would be fine though.
I don't drink a huge amount anyway but I'm going to cut down on that. I run anyway as that helps massively with my state of mind. I have generally felt better today although fighting with Covid regulations for this foreign work trip has got me feeling anxious again now!
Thanks for the suggestions so far
As above see your GP and ask for a referral.
Other half had issues and when we finally worked out the problem and got it dealt with (meant she left a job) all sorts of medical problems for which she had been prescribed drugs cleared up. If only the GPs that had prescribed them in the first place had looked for the cause rather than treat the symptoms.
Not likely to be any better now but the waiting list for the psychologist was 14 months on the NHS, she waited a week (private). I can't imagine the damage waiting 14 months for treatment would have done to her, if we had not had the insurance I would have paid anyway.
Other half had issues and when we finally worked out the problem and got it dealt with (meant she left a job) all sorts of medical problems for which she had been prescribed drugs cleared up. If only the GPs that had prescribed them in the first place had looked for the cause rather than treat the symptoms.
Not likely to be any better now but the waiting list for the psychologist was 14 months on the NHS, she waited a week (private). I can't imagine the damage waiting 14 months for treatment would have done to her, if we had not had the insurance I would have paid anyway.
Ultimately only you can sort it, luckily you recoginize the symptoms of when its going to come and can prepare yourself. Practice your breathing techniques. Personally I start to convulse when I get mine if it gets out of hand (usually in the early hours of the morning) I tend to find forcing myself out of the house and going to work early or even just a walk tends to fix it.
As for the digestive problems ( im going to frank here) you need a big poo, a buscapan and some heartburn liquid.
As for the digestive problems ( im going to frank here) you need a big poo, a buscapan and some heartburn liquid.
I've been suffering with heightened Anxiety since last October after having it all my adult life. I have been seeing a counsellor for 6 months and have had varied successes in dealing with it but it keeps returning. I am currently battling continuous adrenaline rushes throughout the day which worsen at night. This is just about the worse thing I have ever experienced and I can't shake it. All the breathing exercises in the world won't counteract adrenaline. If anyone has any ideas on how to stop this please let me know. I'm sick of constantly battling with my own body/mind.
I’ve had anxiety since I was a kid with a few really bad periods - I’m in one at the moment following a bereavement but over the years I have got a lot better at managing them
Your doc is a good shout and I’ve found that talk therapies can very really rather helpful. Alongside these you could consider the following
Cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and sugary food/drink
Getting more exercise in general, especially outside in the day
Yoga and TRE exercises
Vitamin D3 and magnesium supplements (deficiency can also cause anxiety) - omega 3 supplements are also touted as good for mental health
Mindfulness /meditation- I’ve personally found this massively helpful - there’s the headspace app and most cities were will have fairly inexpensive local classes
Aside from the talk therapies and the stuff listed above, I have found Dr Claire weekes , John Kabat-Zinn and Eckhart Tolle very helpful in terms of self help techniques. The first two were actually recommended by therapists Lots of their materials are on you tube if you are interested eg https://youtu.be/3I5L2otW4r8
Your doc is a good shout and I’ve found that talk therapies can very really rather helpful. Alongside these you could consider the following
Cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and sugary food/drink
Getting more exercise in general, especially outside in the day
Yoga and TRE exercises
Vitamin D3 and magnesium supplements (deficiency can also cause anxiety) - omega 3 supplements are also touted as good for mental health
Mindfulness /meditation- I’ve personally found this massively helpful - there’s the headspace app and most cities were will have fairly inexpensive local classes
Aside from the talk therapies and the stuff listed above, I have found Dr Claire weekes , John Kabat-Zinn and Eckhart Tolle very helpful in terms of self help techniques. The first two were actually recommended by therapists Lots of their materials are on you tube if you are interested eg https://youtu.be/3I5L2otW4r8
Fergie87 said:
I've been suffering with heightened Anxiety since last October after having it all my adult life. I have been seeing a counsellor for 6 months and have had varied successes in dealing with it but it keeps returning. I am currently battling continuous adrenaline rushes throughout the day which worsen at night. This is just about the worse thing I have ever experienced and I can't shake it. All the breathing exercises in the world won't counteract adrenaline. If anyone has any ideas on how to stop this please let me know. I'm sick of constantly battling with my own body/mind.
Aside from the counselling, what are you doing to help yourself? The above post is good - cut out non-decaf coffee and tea, a simple thing to do. Then try all the other stuff - breathing will help but won't fix it on its own or as one off, you have to keep doing everything and your anxiety levels will drop.I really sympathize with the anxiety and especially the digestive issues.
I'm nearly 60 and it's got worse.
I'm currently on holiday in Guernsey with my girlfriend and the digestive bit ruins everything. We are about to go out to catch a bus to do a long coastal walk and already I'm taking too long in the hotel room loo trying to ready myself for the day ahead.
It is and should be a lovely day, doing what I like best yet my darn stomach makes it a challenge.
How on earth I've managed as a freelancer for 30 odd years constantly working in different situations with different people, conditions that don't need a dodgy tum yet are ripe for that need for a loo.
You are correct that the thought of the lack of bathrooms only adds to the problem.
I have nothing to offer OP apart from a diet of immodium. I have tried the odd valium here and there but it seems that's a route my doctor is keen for me not to follow.
I have tried counseling twice but got nothing from it apart from it being nice to talk to someone.
I hope you find a solution and am keen to hear any ideas from others reading these posts.
Thank you.
I'm nearly 60 and it's got worse.
I'm currently on holiday in Guernsey with my girlfriend and the digestive bit ruins everything. We are about to go out to catch a bus to do a long coastal walk and already I'm taking too long in the hotel room loo trying to ready myself for the day ahead.
It is and should be a lovely day, doing what I like best yet my darn stomach makes it a challenge.
How on earth I've managed as a freelancer for 30 odd years constantly working in different situations with different people, conditions that don't need a dodgy tum yet are ripe for that need for a loo.
You are correct that the thought of the lack of bathrooms only adds to the problem.
I have nothing to offer OP apart from a diet of immodium. I have tried the odd valium here and there but it seems that's a route my doctor is keen for me not to follow.
I have tried counseling twice but got nothing from it apart from it being nice to talk to someone.
I hope you find a solution and am keen to hear any ideas from others reading these posts.
Thank you.
My wife was diagnosed with Anxiety earlier this year when we were back "home", and TBH from what i have subsequently read it seems to be a spot on diagnosis.
However, now that we are back in the UK she is not interested in seeking any sort of help at all and just uses it as her excuse / justification and expected me to work around whatever issue has arisen.
Anyone got any tips on how one might address this.
Ironically i think that even though she is fluent in english, she has anxiety at going to the Dr's for fear of not understanding and also the running around that one seems to need to do with the NHS.
However, now that we are back in the UK she is not interested in seeking any sort of help at all and just uses it as her excuse / justification and expected me to work around whatever issue has arisen.
Anyone got any tips on how one might address this.
Ironically i think that even though she is fluent in english, she has anxiety at going to the Dr's for fear of not understanding and also the running around that one seems to need to do with the NHS.
Fergie87 said:
I've been suffering with heightened Anxiety since last October after having it all my adult life. I have been seeing a counsellor for 6 months and have had varied successes in dealing with it but it keeps returning. I am currently battling continuous adrenaline rushes throughout the day which worsen at night. This is just about the worse thing I have ever experienced and I can't shake it. All the breathing exercises in the world won't counteract adrenaline. If anyone has any ideas on how to stop this please let me know. I'm sick of constantly battling with my own body/mind.
How much are you exercising? (You need low intensity exercise)Would taking an hours walk before bed tire you out and relax your mind? Have you tried going for a walk when you get these adrenaline rushes?
Fergie87 said:
I've been suffering with heightened Anxiety since last October after having it all my adult life. I have been seeing a counsellor for 6 months and have had varied successes in dealing with it but it keeps returning. I am currently battling continuous adrenaline rushes throughout the day which worsen at night. This is just about the worse thing I have ever experienced and I can't shake it. All the breathing exercises in the world won't counteract adrenaline. If anyone has any ideas on how to stop this please let me know. I'm sick of constantly battling with my own body/mind.
Have you tried medication? Citalopram helped me a lot - first few weeks were rough with side-effects though.croyde said:
I really sympathize with the anxiety and especially the digestive issues.
I'm nearly 60 and it's got worse.
I'm currently on holiday in Guernsey with my girlfriend and the digestive bit ruins everything. We are about to go out to catch a bus to do a long coastal walk and already I'm taking too long in the hotel room loo trying to ready myself for the day ahead.
It is and should be a lovely day, doing what I like best yet my darn stomach makes it a challenge.
How on earth I've managed as a freelancer for 30 odd years constantly working in different situations with different people, conditions that don't need a dodgy tum yet are ripe for that need for a loo.
You are correct that the thought of the lack of bathrooms only adds to the problem.
I have nothing to offer OP apart from a diet of immodium. I have tried the odd valium here and there but it seems that's a route my doctor is keen for me not to follow.
I have tried counseling twice but got nothing from it apart from it being nice to talk to someone.
I hope you find a solution and am keen to hear any ideas from others reading these posts.
Thank you.
Get out into the sun man the island looks amazing today! I'm nearly 60 and it's got worse.
I'm currently on holiday in Guernsey with my girlfriend and the digestive bit ruins everything. We are about to go out to catch a bus to do a long coastal walk and already I'm taking too long in the hotel room loo trying to ready myself for the day ahead.
It is and should be a lovely day, doing what I like best yet my darn stomach makes it a challenge.
How on earth I've managed as a freelancer for 30 odd years constantly working in different situations with different people, conditions that don't need a dodgy tum yet are ripe for that need for a loo.
You are correct that the thought of the lack of bathrooms only adds to the problem.
I have nothing to offer OP apart from a diet of immodium. I have tried the odd valium here and there but it seems that's a route my doctor is keen for me not to follow.
I have tried counseling twice but got nothing from it apart from it being nice to talk to someone.
I hope you find a solution and am keen to hear any ideas from others reading these posts.
Thank you.
Some tips for a an gut problems that work for me, first off limit carbs, anything processed, what I include are things like apple cider vinegar, Sauerkraut, also I take supplements in the form of digestive enzymes probiotics, and L- Glutamine, all this and a daily mindfulness routine has helped enormously.
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