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Moving Backwards

purplecashew2005 October 30th, 2023

Lately it feels like I've moved way backwards.  For a while my anxiety had become more manageable, and it didn't feel like I was nearly as stressed, or as sensitive to changes, events, etc.  Since I've started college, I've definitely been more stressed, but in the past few weeks, I'm back to where I was years ago, when I was in Elementary school.  I cry myself to sleep worrying about death, or the end of the world, and I haven't done that in close to 10 years.  I get overstimulated really easily now, and I've even been lashing out, which I've never done before.  I have a stomach ache because my friend invited me to a birthday party, even though I want to go.  Most of the time it seems like I'm jittery and worried for no reason.  I can usually pinpoint something that's causing it, but with this I don't even know why I'm stressed out.  


I've been trying to manage it as best as I can, with decent sleep, lower expectations for daily tasks, exercise, not overdoing caffeine or sugar, but it's not enough.  If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. (No therapy, can't afford) 

5
SJMal October 31st, 2023

@purplecashew2005,

Our Wellbeing exists on a continuum and fluctuates/changes, I know you may be feeling overwhelmed right now but with self care, and support you will be able to reduce the anxiety you may be feeling today/recently.  

I have attached two anxiety help resources that you can review in your own time  resource https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/anxiety/https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies 

I will also send you a private message!

BryanM9999 October 31st, 2023

@purplecashew2005  Hey - really sorry to hear that you're suffering.  Sounds tough.  The return of severe anxiety when it was previously managed and under control is anxious-making in itself, isn't it?  But, as you said yourself, you had a period of having managed it and you can do it again!  Sadly - just because we'd got to a better place before (with practice) doesn't mean we'll stay there forever.  Keep at it!

xxlostgirl22 November 1st, 2023

I just wanted to say I can understand some of what you’re going through. I have panic disorder and it has been well managed until suddenly in the last month it is reappearing. I have no idea why.


we have to keep fighting the good fight. It won’t be like this forever.

1 reply
purplecashew2005 OP November 2nd, 2023

@xxlostgirl22  It won't.  I'll never stop fighting, no matter what.  The same goes for you.  We can do this.

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AnalystINTJ November 1st, 2023
Hello @purplecashew2005,

You are probably feeling anxious could be due to your recent college life;
many might be in a similar situation to yours.
So maybe you need more time to adjust.

> "
exercise, not overdoing caffeine or sugar"

You are on the right track as you stated. :)

Having said the above,
In Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT),
we often ask clients questions such as Exception and Coping Questions
for example, when are the situations you feel less anxious?
Were there any coping skills you had that helped you manage in the past?
Any situation (e.g. staying out with nature) and/or
coping skills (e.g. reading that you enjoy)
that you find helpful...
continue to use them again.

In your free time,
you can consider practising 
Diaphragmatic Breathing (DB)
and/or Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).
Another can be Guided Imagery (GI),
placing oneself with visuals or relaxing places.

If you are currently financially constrained in seeking a Therapist,
maybe you can talk to your campus Counsellor if one is available.
Alternatively, you can consider working with a trainee Therapist under supervision,
you will still be in good hands because the supervisor will regularly review your case.
And the cost is usually manageable. 

I hope these options are feasible for you.

For your reference. :)