New member here

I found this site a few weeks ago and thought I should post something to say hello

I have been dealing with anxiety/panic attacks for most of my life (now 32), and it just seems to be getting worse over time. I started cipralex 20mg 5/6 years ago because I was having difficulties coping, and now just this winter was put on Mirtazapine 15mg because again I have been having pretty bad episodes. Just looking at the pattern, my anxiety is giving me anxiety that its just getting worse and not better over time.

Now with that said there has been some pretty major changes in the last 3 months. My wife and I just bought a house 3 months ago. This is our first house, and I must admit it is pretty scarey, and the expenses are much larger than apartment life. On top of that, I quit smoking around that time. I'm happy to say that I am 3 months smoke free, but not without difficulty. And now my wife is talking about having a baby. Which is fine and dandy, because I want one too. But it scares the crap out of me and I'm not sure if I'm ready, but I'm getting pressure as we "aren't getting any younger". To top it off, work slows down in december for me, which causes me extreme anxiety as I strive off of being busy. I find I have to seek reassurance from everybody and their uncle when I am in a state like that. That everything is going to be ok and nothing bad is going to happen (usually for me every worst fear seems to become a reality)

With that said I am seeking a counsellor/therapist this week. As well I found a course in my area that does MBSR (Mindfulness based stress reduction) combined with CGT (cognitive based theory) over a 13 week course, so I'm going to take that and see if it helps.

Anyway thats me in a nutshell hope to talk to you all soon

Cheers,

Unsufferable,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  You obviously know your triggers to your increased anxiety which give you an edge on controlling your anxiety. Buying a home can be intense and nerve wracking! A home purchase is generally the largest single expenditure you will make in your life-time. Buying your first home is even more stressful. The purchase has been made and now the monthly payments begin.  Try not to overspend on purchases that can wait to make sure your budget is set up to pay for the "must" items that you will have.

Perhaps you and your wife can discuss a time frame for when to look at having a baby.  Give both of you a chance to get used to the expenses and up keep that come with a home.  A baby will change your life for the better but again it is a huge, individual decision the two of you should make together looking at all the good a child will bring to both of you.

When works slows down this time of year it is bound to stress you as you read about other companies not fairing well after the holidays. Keep your finger on the pulse of you company and make sure the company realizes what a great job you are doing for them.

I applaud you for  finding a therapist that works with MBSR and CBT therapies. When you reach out for help it is a good sign that you know yourself and you are going to learn new tools to help you live with anxiety.

Coming here and talking with us is a great way to share your feelings as everyone here has experience with anxiety.

I look forward to getting to know you better.