Anxiety

urbanenergi

I’ve always had a tendency to be anxious, byproduct of my mothers previously un diagnosed  bi polar when growing up. I have no idea why my anxiety is getting much worse my old successful coping strategies aren’t working. Not sure if it’s covid, menopause or adjusting to my own disability - I’ve no idea ??‍♀️ it could be all 3! 

I’m anxious in stranger social or interaction situations even on the phone (never before I was confident socially fear free) I’m suddenly doing avoidance behaviour it’s become such a strong urge that I can’t break free from. Any tips? Feels like I’ve dropped into a deep hole I can’t get myself out of! Fortunately I’m self aware but need to nip this in the bud. 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I'm not giving medical advice and you should discuss with your gp 

My own experience of menopause was anxiety and panic attacks mainly around driving at night but this is something I was used to doing and never bothered me before 

Hope you manage to get on top of it 

leeCal

You might try some gentle meditation, it works for me.

https://www.lionsroar.com/how-to-meditate/ 
?

urbanenergi

I have been put on HRT but still have the odd flush or 2 but I didn’t think about anxiety didn’t know it had any bearing on it. I’ve tried SRI’s before & the side effects were truly awful so withdrew from it carefully. I’m already on ametriptylne at night so least I sleep but during the day the anxiety is overwhelming at times.

urbanenergi

I get driving anxiety sometimes especially new places I always get lost ??‍♀️

“janer1967 said:

Hi and welcome to the community 

I'm not giving medical advice and you should discuss with your gp 

My own experience of menopause was anxiety and panic attacks mainly around driving at night but this is something I was used to doing and never bothered me before 

Hope you manage to get on top of it”

Tori_Scope

I'm sorry that you've been experiencing increased anxiety @urbanenergi. There could be a number of factors contributing to the way you're feeling, including coronavirus and the menopause. 

The NHS page on the menopause does outline that:

Some women experience mood swings, low mood and anxiety around the time of the menopause.

Self-help measures such as getting plenty of rest, taking regular exercise and doing relaxing activities such as yoga and tai chi may help. Medicine and other treatments are also available, including HRT and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

CBT is a type of talking therapy that can improve low mood and feelings of anxiety. Your GP may be able to refer you for CBT on the NHS, or recommend self-help options such as online CBT courses.

Antidepressants may help if you've been diagnosed with depression.

I'd definitely recommend speaking to your GP about how you're feeling, as they should be able to help you identify the possible causes for your increased anxiety, and help you find a way forwards.

You could also try slowly exposing yourself to the things that are making you anxious. For example, for the phone anxiety, you could try having a short phone conversation with a trusted friend or family member, and work your way up from there once you feel more comfortable doing that.

L_Volunteer

Hello @urbanenergi

Thanks for reaching out to us. I am sorry to hear you are experiencing an increase in anxiety levels. In terms of phone anxiety, have you tried doodling whilst on the phone? or writing bullet points which you would like to cover in your phone calls? Sometimes they can help. Also, I am wondering if you have seen Mind's section about anxiety or viewed anxiety UK? Both of these might be informative and provide additional support. I hope this helps but if you have any questions or need any further support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us again soon 

urbanenergi

Thank you @Tori_Scope & @L_Volunteer I will look into that further I’ll speak to my gp if I can get through for an appointment ?

L_Volunteer

Hello @urbanenergi

Ugh, I hear your frustrations! Keep trying. Hopefully, you will manage to get through to making an appointment with your GP soon. In the meantime, if there's anything at all that we can do to support you further, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Take care for now and I will look forward to hopefully hearing from you again soon!