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General Anxiety and Health anxiety methods to deal (withdrawal for a bit or face it head one)

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/6/2015 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I'm exhausted. I'm stressed. I already had anxiety and panic attacks, and now I have been diagnosed with something that will hang over me for a while; a watch and wait illness.

I am frazzled. Does it make sense to take month off from work if I can and just relax or just face the same stresses every day? I know in CBT they suggest not retreating as that may make anxiety worse. But I'm raw with stress.

I have klonopin, but it doesn't do much. SSRIs never helped completely in the past. UGH.
Posted 7/6/2015 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
A month off work might do you good as long as you can keep the focus on healing; rest and relaxation and giving yourself time to do what you like to do. Otherwise, I do agree with the CBT and just from my experience it may make your anxiety worse. It really all depends on how you spend your time.

At the start of my illness, I was given time off work. It was great at first and then every little body ache, every new body sensation, every new symptom - started to consume my time and focus. It was and still is all I can seem to think about unless I get busy.

I've just starting to get back into work part-time. And that's perfect for my healing process. I still have a long way to go but getting to work part time and getting to have some time to myself.

If you feel you need some time. Take it. I just want you to know that you are supported and not alone. I wish you wellness and happiness.
Posted 7/6/2015 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi H.T.,

I am sorry to hear of your increased anxiety, new health concern...and confusion about how to proceed in order to feel your best.

There is a difference in taking time to decompress and come up with a good plan of action for recovery and retreating.

As Spirit mentioned, it depends on how you deal with, and spend the free time.

If you are able to use it constructively, and conversely, truly relax during your down time...then I think it would be time well spent.

If you have trouble with idle time, or transitioning back into a routine afterwards, then breaking your momentum may not be best.

I think writing down a list of pros and cons and coming up with a game plan could help you make the decision.

I wish you the best, invite you to check out our Resources...and keep posting with us for support.:)

Looking foward to getting to know you better!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/6/2015 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi HT

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time of it at the moment.

Stress/anxiety are hard things to deal with and can really take it out of you both mentally and physically so if you feel you need the time and as the others have mentioned above feel you can use the time to de stress and work on your anxiety I would take it.

What I would consider would be how your employer deals with employees with stress as some employers are better than others. My last employer saw it as a problem unfortunately and managed me out of my job and that was back in 2010 but not all employers will react that way.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 7/6/2015 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
HoustonTexan I'm glad to see you over here on the anxiety forum, Welcome!!!! This is an awesome community that really cares and understands living with anxiety and many of us also deal with chronic health issues, so you are not alone.

You have already received excellent advice above which I agree with, so just wanted to stop in and welcome you and tell you to keep posting, we will walk this journey with you.
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