Endless worry

Strangely

Hi.
I'm a 62 year old man with lifelong chronic social and generalised anxiety. I've never been able to work and at the moment all I can do is worry myself sick over this horrid government's new welfare proposals. I've spent so much time ruminating about this that it's making my life a misery: the nausea, the palpitations, the feelings of panic and dread. It seems like the government are punishing people like myself for having the audacity to suffer from poor mental health. It's making me angry as well as fearful. I manage to keep my mind occupied for short periods but it's always at the back of my mind: the terrible fear of having my benefits slashed and being forced to attend work focused interviews. It's absolutely horrendous.
Ian

Strangely

Hello Ada. Thanks for your reply.
This does seem to be a very friendly and welcoming place and
I'll certainly be sticking around.🙂

chiarieds

Please try not to worry. I can see that this is all very concerning, but so far any changes are just proposals. The latest we know is that any changes to the WCA won't be mentioned in the King's speech on 7 Nov. So, nothing will happen, if indeed it does, until after the next general election.

Strangely

Thanks. That's given me a crumb of reassurance. I'll do my best to think of other things.🙂

Strawberry1

I'm always worrying about all kinds of things . I'm supposed to be making phone calls and things and because I worry so much I don't end up making the calls . Like burying my head in the sand so to speak . 

Jimm_Scope

I can do that too. I get so anxious about the phone call, or appointment, I end up not going due to the anxiety, and then I beat myself up (mentally) about it afterwards.

I'm better about it now, but it is quite a punishing negative cycle. It reinforces itself. I'm much better about not mentally beating myself up afterwards now, and that actually makes me less anxious about the thing, which means I'm more likely to do it!

Strawberry1

Thank goodness its not just me @Jimm_Scope . I'm so glad it's not just me. Very happy that you have gotten better at finding a better way around the issue.  Really pleased for you . You are a true star 🌟.  I hope to get better at things . Fingers crossed. 

Bettahm

I have supposed to have been going to the eye clinic for laser treatment since the spring but have to keep canceling the appts they send me. Now suppose to be going in January. 
Need to see dentist but cant make an appointment. They have been nasty over all the cancelled ones. 
Need to see a gp really too, nothing urgent but scoliosis and acid reflux probs.
Cant do these appts because of agoraphobia. And total lack of patience and understanding with all the above people. 

Strangely

Hi folks. Thanks for your replies.🙂
I'm also terrible at putting things off due to social anxiety. Like I had no telephone service a few weeks ago, but it took me ages before I could pluck up the courage to phone BT.
I hate speaking to strangers on the phone. Thankfully it's all sorted out now.☺️