Am I suffering from anxiety?

Question

I'm not sure if I am suffering from anxiety. I have no problems in life but I seem to worry about small things like bills, money, having to buy a new car, my relationship with my boyfriend. I'm actually creating more problems by thinking the way I do as my boyfriend cant seem to understand why I'm so down all the time.
I moved 70 miles from home so we could buy a house and be together and its been stressful as I dont know anyone in the area. Ive only recently started to feel this way. I thought it had something to do with the pill so I came off that, now Im taking vitamin B to help with the mood swings but I cant seem to stop feeling low.
I know me and my boyfriend are passed the honeymoon stage of our relationship but I cant seem to get used to the relaxed, stable stage we are in. I crave his attention and affection most of the time.
Why cant I just relax and enjoy life? Am I suffering from anxiety?

Answer 1

Sounds like you are a bit on edge - but don't worry hopefully it will pass. As you have only just moved and you are changing everything in your current life, of course you are going to be a little bit stressed, and your obviously going to feel like you need to stay on top of things, or your unsure of the sudden change or variation in lifestyle.
But if you are feeling low quite frequently I suggest buying some natural rememdies, like St John's Wort, (ask doctor before taking if pregnant) or make a trip to the doctors and have a little chat about how you feel, and he/she will see what is in your best interests.
And if you feel like the attention you are getting from your partner is lacking, then tell him about it - it won't hurt to say how you feel... Just spend some more time together, plan a romantic outing or night in or sex up bed times - (this could relieve some anxeity too!).
Everyone worries about the mundane everyday survival of life... Paying bills, and buying a new car and so no and so forth; it's natural to get a little anxious over, but maybe you are more anxious about being commited and living in a house with your other half then all of the other details, even if they are partly to blame for you feeling low...
Maybe your overal anxeity is to smokescreen the bigger picture to stop you thinking about it in detail. Who knows?
You can begin to relax in time, just stop being so hard on yourself, and realise you have only just changed your lifestyle and things take one step at a time.
Just let be, and say 'ah well, things have planned out this way, but as I have no other choice, I might as well make it better for me and my partner, I only have one life to make it right between us and in the house, and I only have one life to be me in, and love me and life'
Think about it honey. Take care hope my advice works

Answer 2

Sounds like you have issues but so do most people.

It is natural human behaviour to worry and be anxious about things but it can be reduced with certain things.

A move of 70 miles to another town can seriously unsettle a person and it may just be a case that you are not happy in your new place and you need time to settle in.

You need to learn to not worry about small things as in the grand scheme of your life they are insignificant. Read "Eckhart Tolles - The Power of Now" for help with this. I strongly reccomend it as it is a very practical guide to brining more joy in your life and enjoy the moment instead of torn between a past / future orientated despair. I don't usually like self help books but this book improved by outlook on life more then I can describe.

You also need a new hobby and some friends. Do you spend all of your time with your partner? If so this can cause anxiety and a feeling of being trapped. It is essential in a relationship to have your own space and hobbies.

If you can afford it a nice holiday in the sun with your boyfriend will do wonders and for me I was going through a very rough patch so went on a three week holiday and it actually cured a 6 month depressed period I was going through!!

Getting fit will also help. Join a kickboxing club as this is a great way of letting out stress and it has been proven that getting fit can seriously improve your sense of mental well being. If kickboxing is too rough just join the gym or go swimming a few times a week. I can't stress how important this is for reducing anxiety.

If none of the above helps then you could get some pills from a doctor. They definitely work but should only a last resort. You are better off just making a plan to change your life so you are active, fit and enjoying life and you should feel great in no time.

Eating bad foods and drinking alot can also cause misery.

Make a plan, stick to it and you will have a goal and this should sort you out.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You sound as though your suffering from anxiety and depression. They often go hand in hand together. It is not surprising that you are feeling this way as you are lonely and displaced.
See your doctor and explain how you feel. He/she can prescribe tablets to get you over this bad patch.
You need to make friends in your new area. Do you have any work colleagues you could go shopping with? Have you invited the neighbours round for a drink? Are there any clubs you could join with or without your partner?
Chin up - you can overcome this with a bit of time and effort and the world will be a great place again. Life is an adventure.

Answer 4

Sounds like a major life change such as moving like that could cause those feelings.

if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety
Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 5

It sounds like you are suffering from depression with anxiety. Major life changes like moving can be extremely stressful triggering depression and anxiety. Talk to your doctor, there are alot of good and safe medications that can help. Also, tell your boyfriend how you feel, support from him is very important to you right now. Look online and see if there are any clubs , churches or interest groups in your area that you might like to join, it is a good way to make friends. I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

Yes, it sounds like anxiety (with a bit of depression- that's a common combo of conditions).

I have both generalized anxiety and panic attacks (they are different things), as well as depression. It doesn't sound like you're having panic attacks, but that constant worrying and mood swings is definitely part of generalized anxiety. Another signs may be not falling or staying asleep well. I know the feeling you were starting to describe, feeling so restless like you are going to jump out of your skin but not knowing what to do about it.

You should recognize that you are going through A LOT of big changes right now. A move in itself is stressful, but buying a house, managing finances, new job, new car, all on top of maintaining your relationship is huge. And it sounds like you've moved to a place where he already has a life established, where he probably already has friends. In the meantime, you've lost all yours (geographically) and are relying on him for all of your support and fun. That can be alot of pressure on the relationship.

I know this because I was 1000% there not too long ago. And that was when all my anxiety began. My doctor put my on meds (paxil cr) to manage the symptoms at the time (I didn't have time to think about fixing myself, I was planning a wedding also!). But now, I'm trying to wean myself off of my meds and have been seeing a therapist to help me work through all of these issues. And one thing he keeps assuring me is that it is entirely normal to feel this way with all of these huge changes going on in my life. He's just giving me skills to cope with them.

I think you should start out by talking to a therapist (psychologist or MSW) and see if that helps. And try to explain to your boyfriend the best you can that you are having some issues you're working through, hopefully if he understands it better he can try to help you instead of getting frustrated with you- it took my husband (then fiance) a while too.

I'm sorry you're going through this, it is no fun. And I can't just say it will pass, because if you don't tend to it it could get worse- so seek some help, and if that doesn't work, perhaps try the medicines.

Answer 7

I have been diagnosed as bipolar with generalized anxiety disorder, depression and agoraphobia. If I did not have my dog I would be dead. I do not want to be living, but I also love my dog so much, I could not kill myself and leave her alone. I know no one who would take her and care for her like I have. And she is a senior dog with some chronic health problems, and who would take a dog like that. I have considered killing us both at the same time, but I have feared I would kill her and I would not die and then what would happen, I would need to be hospitalized. And, too, if I died and she did not, it would be back to the same situation of where could she go. When I am having a hard time she just will come over and sit next to me. And my agoraphobia gives me about a 2-block radius that I can walk her. But if I did not have her, I would NOT leave my home ever. I order in EVERYTHING. When I am depressed, she keeps me company, when I am anxious, she calms me down. When I cry, she just sits pressed next to me. When she does these things it makes me focus on her and not what I am currently feeling which can be helpful in some situations. Sometimes I feel stressed when I know she wants to walk further but I walk to a local park that is a block away and let her play and sniff about. I know for a fact that if I did not have a dog, I would not be alive. Even in the worst of my illnesses I have appreciated having a dog and what she does for me in the way of support.

Answer 8

Unless it is affecting your every day life I wouldn't worry to much about suffering from anxiety. It sounds like you are still adjusting to a new situation. However if you anxiousness affects your everyday life then you need to see a doctor or therapist. Usually anxiety conditions are only temporary and only need to be treated for a few months so dont stress if They want try you on a medication for a little while.

Answer 9

It is probably because you have gone through too many changes in a very short period of time. Even though changes are good and exciting, it is also an adjustment for a new place to live, new home, living with your boyfriend and such. It seems that you should be so happy, but in reality, it is hard to make so many changes in your living arrangements, even when it is a good thing!! So, it may feel like depression, but it may really be an adjustment disorder. Also, you need to attention/affection from boyfriend because it helps you feel secure right now in this time of changes. It is okay (I went through this myself!). Spending time making the new house your home is important. Asking your boyfriend to spend time with you until you feel more at home is okay too. It might take 2 or 3 months, but you will gradually come out of the depressed feeling and come to enjoy your new life. Just give yourself some time.

Answer 10

No you are just human, it looks like you have had a lot to deal with lately and being away from your friends and family can't be easy. Sit down with your boyfriend and tell him how you feel; more than likely he is feeling similar to you. Talk about ways in which you can both settle into the area; ways in which you can meet new friends in your neighbourhood. Remember the reasons why you made this decision to move so far away in the first place; they haven't changed have they? Don't be hard on yourself; you are feeling homesick right now. I hope it all works out for you!