Why ?
I know a lot about bipolar affective disorder, depression & schizophrenia but little about anxiety.
Emerge from covid lockdown = courage to have friend and family in my home again after so long.
decided i needed to take action but needed help and direction so I started with Wirral Mind
Definition
Oxford dictionary = a feeling of worry, nervousness about something with an uncertain outcome.
Lucy Holbrook = A feeling of discomfort or not feeling safe. A combination of emotions, physical sensations & thoughts when worried of nervous about something.
General Anxiety Symptoms
- ongoing worry
- nervousness
- difficulty concentrating
- fatigue
- restlessness
- disturbed sleep
- easily startled
- vivid dreams
- muscle tension & aches
- difficulty making decisions
- overwhelmed
- headaches
- pounding heart
- mind going blank
- interferes with daily life
Contributory Factors
- pandemic stress fear & uncertainty
- constant changes to covid restrictions
- living alone
- being bipolar
- family live in Bolton & Glossop
- not being in anyone’s bubble
- knee arthritis
My Anxiety Triggers
- being in shops
- reconnecting with family & friends after so long
- walking whilst wearing a mask
- workmen in my house
- medical appointments
- tech or house appliances not working properly
- doing too much in one day or week
My Physical Symptoms
- muscle tension
- feel lightheaded
- headache
- shortness of breath
- hot flush
- irregular heartbeat
- raised blood pressure
- difficulty sleeping
My Psychological Symptoms … I Feel
- tense nervous and on edge
- my world is speeding up or slowing down
- am losing control and confidence
- unsafe and uncertain
- unsettled and overwhelmed
- can’t concentrate and get confused
- quickly get out of bipolar balance
- tend to catastrophise and fear the worst
- use avoidance tactics
- an urge to escape
My GAD … General Anxiety Day
- food shop
- arthritis pain
- ready meals
- sugar snacks
- too much white wine
- key rooms untidy
- too much time on Mac computer
Personal Self Help Tools
- 3 : 5 in out slow deep breathing
- mindpanda stressball
- brushing my hair
- aromatherapy pocket hankie
- anxiety diary
- mind relax music cd
- mindpanda 30 day Mindfulness cards
What Works for Me
- reminding myself that I am loved and supported
- having a plan
- setting aside a time to worry
- wearing my family ring
- pottering in my garden
- stroking Bobby cat
- houseplant care
- scented candles
- pegging out my washing
- shopping early when its quiet
- challenging negative thoughts
- watching and feeding my garden birds
- birdsong
Support from & Thanks to :
- Dr Claire Bromley Tameside Hospital
- Dr Gandeep Singh The Stein Centre St Cath’s Hospital
- Rachel Gilbert Wirral Mind
- Lucy Holbrook Wirral Mind / Inner Learning First
Useful Contacts
- www. mind.org.uk
- www.wirralmind.org.uk
- www.nhs.uk
- www.anxietyuk.org.uk
- www.nextchapternwcic.co.uk
- www.mindpanda.com
… and breathe