When Anxiety Strikes

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Today I looked up the definition of anxiety on Google, and this is what it told me:

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

When I was 20 I was diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder, alongside my depression. This meant that I would have a full blown panic attack whenever I was placed in a social situation, often resulting in a meltdown.

After it was treated I didn't have any real problems with anxiety once I fell pregnant, other than the occasional bout of anxiety which is fairly normal in any mother's life. This was up until I separated from Master A's father 9 months ago. Since then, my anxiety has steadily got worse. Thinking about having to let my Munchkin go to his father's house sends my heart racing and shortens my breath quicker than ever before. It doesn't help that I know I have to actually see his dad, which usually results in an argument and being told that I'm doing a bad job as a mother.

Anxiety can take over your life if you let it. I find that in the week that leads up to Master A going to his dad's house I am on edge, cranky, can't usually get it off my mind and I dread having to let him go. There is also another reason why I get so anxious about letting him go, that occurred over the weekend that I can't share with you all just yet, but it's safe to say that I let this situation rule a good part of my life, and I am ready for that to change.

Anxiety causes your stress levels to rise, which in turn means that you get run down, and more likely to get sick. It can keep you awake at night, affect your choices, and affect your relationships with other people. I am lucky that so far, I have not yet let it affect my relationship with Master A.

With the problems that anxiety can cause for people, can you really blame them for wanting to get help and get it fixed? I have started with a trip to the doctor. It is still on my to-do list to look into yoga. I also keep a journal that I will be using more often to sort out my thoughts if I get overwhelmed.

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I am still recovering from the flu (so you will have to excuse if my writing is a little all over the place today!) and once I am back to my old self again I will heading back out on my walks to clear my head. We are also seeking help with regards to custody over Master A, meaning this is one less thing I have to worry about sparking an argument with his dad every time we see each other.

These are some of the things that I am doing to help deal with my anxiety issues. Not everything will work for everyone, and there is medication to help those with severe anxiety disorders. If you feel you are one of these people, I can not urge you enough to see your doctor and get some help.

Do you suffer from anxiety?

What do you do to help stop a panic attack?

Linking up with the gorgeous Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT