Spiralling Anxiety

[SloaneRanger]

Hello lovely people,
So I suffer from anxiety and recently it is getting to a point where it is affecting me every day. I can’t sleep, constantly worry and feel like it’s making me a tit mum and partner.
A lot of this centres around health anxiety and emetophobia. Today a mum from school posted on Facebook that her daughter got send home as she was sick twice in school. Her daughter is in my child’s class so I feel it is inevitable my child will catch whatever this is. (For context this mum is always posting about her kids being not well, it seems to be a regular thing. She always posts pictures of them looking ill and she never follows the 48hr guidance regarding keeping kids at home, they are always back the next day). I know it sounds totally irrational but honest to god I am having a major panic, I can’t stop crying and feel like not even sending my child to school tomorrow. This panic around sickness/germs always happens and I just feel like I am such a terrible mum, I am not cut out for parenting. I just panic and worry all the time. My kids don’t deserve a mum that is constantly on edge and stressed/panicking about every little thing. I’m just so crap

 

[justheretoread99]

I can really relate with health anxiety. It’s caused me so much unnecessary stress, insomnia and all the other awful mental and physical symptoms. So sending a lot of love to you

Im sure you’re very far from a tit mum or partner.
The fact you’re posting on here shows that you care.

Are you on any medication right now for the anxiety? Or having any counselling?

 

[judgejohndeed]

Have you spoken to your GP about it? I’m very medication averse but honestly medicating my anxiety was life changing and I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[SloaneRanger]

Thank you so much for your replies it means a lot. No I haven’t spoke to the gp, I’m a bit wary just because my sister went on anti depressants and they made her feel ‘like a zombie’ I just worry about becoming reliant on anything. @judgejohndeed what medication do you take for it?

I can really relate with health anxiety. It’s caused me so much unnecessary stress, insomnia and all the other awful mental and physical symptoms. So sending a lot of love to you

Im sure you’re very far from a tit mum or partner.
The fact you’re posting on here shows that you care.

Are you on any medication right now for the anxiety? Or having any counselling?

Thank you so much, it’s horrible isn’t it? Just the worst feeling. Do you take anything for it?

 

[justheretoread99]

Thank you so much, it’s horrible isn’t it? Just the worst feeling. Do you take anything for it?

I don’t no, but am very open to try meds. I’ve previously had CBT therapy and hypnotherapy. (Both didn’t work long term for me) I didn’t like the CBT therapist so would be open to try that again if it was someone different.

I feel like in the same predicament as you apart from I don’t have children (I’d be a nervous wreck if I did though, the thought of it sends my anxiety into overdrive of trying to keep a little person safe) But I’m constantly paranoid about myself or a family member becoming seriously ill, hate germs, Covid- don’t even ask although I’ve never been diagnosed with it, I think it links to a form of OCD

First step is always seeking help, wether that be a friend/family member/GP/mental health professional/charity

How to access mental health services

Find out about the different ways to get help with your mental health, the process and your rights.

www.nhs.uk

 

[newtoyou]

I’m not qualified to give advice on anxiety but I can totally understand the fear of sick. All I can say is you’re not alone and please don’t put yourself down for that. You have a child at school age, just think about how much you’ve overcome so far

 

[1001 others]

You poor thing - it's really not very nice.

I've had anxiety for over 30 years and take a drug called Sertraline which is very effective. I still have worries, but I don't worry myself sick - literally sick - as I used to. I still think about things with my overactive mind, but I cope a lot better thanks to this drug. That said, Sertraline isn't for everyone and, if you did decide to go down this route, you might need to try a few different anti-depressants before you found one that was right for you. I feel like Sertraline 'numbs' me, as opposed to making me feel zombiefied.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can also be very effective (which involves changing the way you respond to things).

Have a chat to your GP, who will be able to help on either count, or even suggest something better for you.

 

[WilmaHun]

Oh bless you, what a horrible way to feel. Firstly, don't ever doubt yourself as a parent, I'm sure you're a fab Mum. The very fact you're even worried about it shows how much you care
Anxiety is awful, but there is help out there, don't ever feel like you're alone. I'd recommend speaking to your GP. My GP did recommend anti depressants for me, but I declined (although I am on them now), and instead gave me beta blockers initially for my anxiety, and they do help to stop the panicky feeling when it becomes too much. Perhaps your GP would be able to offer something similar to you?

 

[SloaneRanger]

Thank you so much for all the replies, it really means the world to me that you’ve taken the time to listen and offer advice. I am going to call the doctor on my next day off and just have a chat and see what they say. I just don’t want to keep feeling like this.
Can I just say too, I used to use mumsnet a lot but sometimes the witchy and rude replies were just too much. It’s so lovely to come on here and just have support and genuine advice, this place is awesome

 

[judgejohndeed]

@judgejohndeed what medication do you take for it?

Same as @WilmaHun - beta blockers. They’re great tbh

 

[Sweet Jane]

Please take whatever medication your Dr recommends. I’ve been where you are now and it’s an exhausting way to live.

 

[Whatevesmate]

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing such dreadful anxiety. I really empathise as do lots of others here. It can be really crippling and make life extremely difficult. I know that it's easier said than done but try and not beat yourself up for feeling bad. It's the last thing that you need on top of feeling so anxious and distressed. Something that I found really helpful was using self compassion. It has made an enormous difference to me. Its not a cure but it massively reduced my anxiety and also helped me to be kinder to myself. Here is a link if you are interested in finding out more:

Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

Discover the power of self-compassion with Kristin Neff. Join our community and explore the benefits of practicing self-compassion together.

self-compassion.org

Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[SloaneRanger]

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing such dreadful anxiety. I really empathise as do lots of others here. It can be really crippling and make life extremely difficult. I know that it's easier said than done but try and not beat yourself up for feeling bad. It's the last thing that you need on top of feeling so anxious and distressed. Something that I found really helpful was using self compassion. It has made an enormous difference to me. Its not a cure but it massively reduced my anxiety and also helped me to be kinder to myself. Here is a link if you are interested in finding out more:

Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

Discover the power of self-compassion with Kristin Neff. Join our community and explore the benefits of practicing self-compassion together.

self-compassion.org

Good luck and take care of yourself.

Thank you so much I will definitely take a look at this

 

[Choco88]

So sorry to hear you’re feeling like this. I can’t really offer and advice but just wanted you to know you’re not alone. I suffer badly with anxiety too, especially about my kids. It’s like in my head if I imagine the worse case scenario then it won’t happen which is ridiculous.

Pl

 

[BettyCrockerr]

You are not a tit mum or partner at all. I promise.
you just need a bit of help & support to guide you through these issues.
please seek help from your GP regarding the anxiety, you don’t have to suffer with this in silence so go to them, be really honest about how you feel and take their advice.theres lots of different medications for things like this and everyone reacts differently so please do let the experience of others taint it - sometimes it’s trail & error to see what suits you best but lots of people have an excellent response to medications so don’t write that off before you’ve given it a try.
with regards to the sickness phobia - have a google and look for people who deal with this - it maybe hypnotherapist or therapist but this is a really common phobia and there will be people out there who can offer you help.

reach out - you don’t have to suffer this alone and there are Avenues to explore to help with all of this xx

 

[SloaneRanger]

Thank you, I spoke to the doctor today and he has prescribed setraline. He said one of the common side effects is sickness and diarrhoea, so I’m in 2 minds wether I will take it or not. I am kicking myself now really, I wish I had asked if there was anything else that didn’t have that side effect

 

[Whatevesmate]

Thank you, I spoke to the doctor today and he has prescribed setraline. He said one of the common side effects is sickness and diarrhoea, so I’m in 2 minds wether I will take it or not. I am kicking myself now really, I wish I had asked if there was anything else that didn’t have that side effect

Well done for speaking see your GP. I know how difficult it can be to make that call.
Unfortunately most of the medications like Sertraline have side effects initially including nausea and diahorrea. It's a real downside. I found it intolerable - it made me feel even more anxious, which is also a common side effect when you first start taking them. But that's just my experience. You may not have such bad side effects and I guess you have to weigh that up against any potential benefits. But don't kick yourself- they all have some side effects unfortunately. A few people here mentioned beta blockers which work differently. They reduce the physical effects of anxiety like a racing heart. I preferred using them but had an adverse reaction FFS! Hopefully others can share their experiences which might help you to decide what to do. So difficult to know what to do when you are already feeling really overwhelmed
Good to get more information though so that you can make an informed decision.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Thank you, I spoke to the doctor today and he has prescribed setraline. He said one of the common side effects is sickness and diarrhoea, so I’m in 2 minds wether I will take it or not. I am kicking myself now really, I wish I had asked if there was anything else that didn’t have that side effect

You can get anti sickness medication and things like Imodium if you need it so don’t worry if you do feel a a bit rough - you can get things to help. Give the tablets a try - see how you get on

 

[Saddlesoap]

Thank you, I spoke to the doctor today and he has prescribed setraline. He said one of the common side effects is sickness and diarrhoea, so I’m in 2 minds wether I will take it or not. I am kicking myself now really, I wish I had asked if there was anything else that didn’t have that side effect

Sertraline changed my life. Honestly. Admittedly the first week was a bit rough (I wasn't sick, just felt nauseous), but it's been 3 years now and I'm a much more easy going person.

 

[SloaneRanger]

Sertraline changed my life. Honestly. Admittedly the first week was a bit rough (I wasn't sick, just felt nauseous), but it's been 3 years now and I'm a much more easy going person.

Thank you that gives me some reassurance. Do you have any tips on taking it? Best time of day? With or without food? I’m just so worried it makes me sick. I’m petrified of sick for one but also my partner is away long days for work so I am responsible for school run then going to my own work where I am on my feet all day. I don’t want the embarrassment or awkwardness of having to run to the toilet every 5 mins. I just don’t have the time for feeling like that