Very long period of anxiety

[Ri]

Hello. 

I've been in an overwhelming state of anxiety over the last week, resulting in lots of crying. I'm hoping that not internalising everything and using this forum may be of help. 

Several external factors are contributing to the longevity of my overwhelmed nature (I'm moving overseas soon, recent death in the family, major medical episode with an immediate family member, and navigating my relationship with my partner who has BPD). 

If anyone has any shared experiences (with multiple or any of the above) that they can let me know of, so that I know I'm not alone, I think that might help. 

Thank you. 

[Ru-bee]

Hi @Ri and welcome to the forums!

It definitely sounds like you've got a lot going on all at once right now, I hope that connecting here and having a space to talk about it all will be helpful for you. Honestly, good on you for reaching out here while being in this state of overwhelm. It can be so hard to do anything while you're feeling like that, so it's great that you've been able to take this step.

I know I can relate to some of the things you're going through now (losing a loved one and moving overseas), though I haven't experienced them happening at the one time. I'm sure there are many others on here who can relate to this too in different ways, so I do really hope that knowing this and being a part of this community helps you to feel less alone. We're here for you

[SillySausage]

Hey @Ri 

I will say to you something I learnt a few years ago while I was in an incredibly similar position to you.

Nothing in this life lasts forever, and that includes suffering. I believe your soul chooses this life knowing full well what's in-store for it, with the intent of learning all of the universal truths that are you and your experience in this life-time. Your soul will eventually become a master of everything that has come against you, you've tackled, you've learnt from, and ultimately become able to understand in the universal language of the soul. Every challenge is an opportunity presented to you on your journey to becoming a master, so that ultimately through your lifetimes of suffering, and mastery of that suffering, you will have achieved the knowledge of how to return to the love that created you.

God bless.

[AuntGlow]

@Ri, it sounds like your body and mind are having to sit with a lot of discomfort, grief, and change right now. Crying is so understandable - I am glad you are allowing yourself to feel what you are going through and that you are asking for support, that takes a lot of courage. 💛

You have listed some pretty huge life things here and it's normal to need stability in these areas to feel regulated, so I can't imagine how destabilising it would be to have multiple areas of your life impacted at once.

What supports do you have right now? And what strategies have you been turning to for a sense of grounding?

We're all here for you, so please feel free to keep us updated and we will get back to you as soon as we can. 

Also, what a beautiful reframe @SillySausage. 🥰

[Ri]

Hi @AuntGlow, thank you for your kind words. 

I think the concept of stability has resonated so hugely with me from your message. 

I am currently looped in with a psychologist who has been great to work with, however, I am not looking forward to losing this support when I move overseas soon. My partner is also often a great source of support, however, we both do find it difficult during low periods. My friends are also wonderful, but I have not told them the full extent of what I'm going through as I don't want to burden them. 

I've found even trying to focus on grounding strategies so far too much - I have previously used 5 senses and deep breathing. I'm sort of ping-ponging between being so overwhelmed by everything that I cannot even think, to then the exhaustion and burn out making me lack motivation to even get out of bed 😞

[Ri]

This is beautifully worded. Thank you.

[Ri]

Hi @Ru-bee, 

Thank you for your kind message. I felt like moving overseas would mean I'd lose a lot of supports physically, so I wanted to find a community online that I can come to in those moments where I need it most. 

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. 

Did you also experience anxiety surrounding your overseas move? I feel as though I am putting so much pressure on myself to feel excited, even though I'm not yet, and that pressure is so counterintuitive. 

[tyme]

Hi there @Ri ,

Thank you for sharing what's been going on for you. It sounds so hard to manage this anxiety with added anxiety because of your move overseas. 

I hear your partner can be a great source of support which is great to hear. 

With grounding strategies, I tend to engage in the Smiling Mind app to help me stay focussed and grounded, especially before going to bed. I wonder if this might be helpful?

Do you know whether you will be able to access some sort of Mental Health support when you go overseas?

[Ri]

Hi @tyme, 

I might try download the Smiling Mind app and give it a go tonight (but not putting extra pressure on myself if it doesn't happen either) - thank you for this suggestion. 

Yes, I'm interested in seeking Mental Health support overseas, however acknowledge that there can be a bit of a waitlist with the public health system. This has been a source of anxiety for me, especially navigating instances where both my partner and I are experiencing low mood. 

[tyme]

Oh @Ri , I really don't mean to burst your bubble, but just to let you know in advance so we are transparent, is that these forums can really only be accessed in Australia. We are federally funded to support those in Australia....

Despite that, you can still read along when overseas - you just may not be able to respond.

However, we'd love to connect with you more before your move. That's totally okay 🙂