Anxiety anyone? a bit long!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2004
Anxiety anyone? a bit long!
2
Mon, 05-23-2005 - 9:58am

Anyone out there think of ways to cope with constant anxiety? Mine has simmered up to the boiling point. EVERYTHING makes me anxious and stressed. Hmmmm...let me see...if someone at work asks me a question about my job, even if I DO know the answer, my mind goes completely blank and I can hardly speak let alone answer. I stutter and stammer and my heart races. When they leave, my mind "returns" and so does my knowledge. Grrrrrr! I am too anxious to go to a gas station to fill up my car-my DH does it for me. I feel like I won't be able to figure out how to use the gas pump and would feel too stupid to ask for help. Uhhh...asking for help using a GAS PUMP? How ridiculous can I get? Another example is we had a "play games" day at work last week. I was so uptight about looking stupid, or loosing it, I didn't bother to particiapte. But I think I wanted to. I get upset driving to work because I know I won't be able to concentrate on my job.

What else? Well, we own a lovely timeshare condo in the Blue Ridge mountains and have for nearly 2 years. We haven't used it yet, much to the chagrin of my DH. But the very thought of leaving home to go on a vacation stresses me to the point of my stomach going in knots and a mini-panic attack. I don't like anything out of the ordinary. When we have guests over to our house my stress levels rise. We had some friends visit from out of town a few months ago, and all my social skills (not that I have a lot to begin with) went out the window. I ended up saying and doing things completely off the wall from sheer panic. They probably thought I was completely nuts. I was stressed to be breaking point the whole time they were there.

What else makes me anxious? Driving, waiting in line, criticism, going to bed late, going to the doc, being married, my bills (which are killing me!), trying to talk to strangers, good Lord the list goes on and on. Put it this way...I can't think of much that DOESN'T stress me, except totally immersing myself in that stupid fantasy world I retreat to. I am beginning to think I'm going to fall and fall HARD soon. My concentration at work has become abysmal-I wrote an elaborate story (about that fantasy world) all day Friday. I would REALLY like to get a handle on this situation before it takes complete control but it seems to be beyond my control at the moment. Not sure what is the best course of action. Arrrrrrghhh!
OK...I'll quit blabbing now-I'm sure everyone gets the picture. Sorry so long! Anyone have ideas, or similar experiences?
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Jodie

Jodie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Mon, 05-23-2005 - 1:37pm

Jodie,

I don't have any words of wisdom...

But I can tell you that I get the same thing... In fact, I am going on a three day trip tomorrow with DH for his work and it should be fun, but I am all nervous and anxious. I worry about our dogs (have to board them for the three days), I worry about the plane crashing, our car breaking down on the way to and/or from the airport, if I will say something stupid in front of his boss, how I look, etc. etc. etc. LOL!!!

So all I can say is I'm there with ya. All I do is keep changing the subject in my mind, breathing deep and taking baby steps towards the goal.

It's very hard and I sympathize with you.

Catherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Mon, 05-23-2005 - 7:43pm

Jodie,


Geez.