I am 27 years old and my feelings of overwhelm-ness have started to impact my job and life. I have the feeling of being overwhelmed almost every day and it hurts inside and makes me cry pretty much every day. Just this feeling bubbles up from my stomach and won’t go away no matter what. No amount of logic and reason. I cried today after the gastro doctor wouldn’t give me an appointment. I cried yesterday when my loan servicing company were being jerks. I cry and feel this overwhelm-ness when my sisters gang up on me. I feel like I have no strength and the first bad thing that happens to me puts me over the edge. Every day is hard. I have started to get migraines and stomach problems. Does anyone have any advice or ideas to help? I don’t want to be on antidepressants and that’s the only thing people recommend for anxiety? Am I normal? Am I just a sensitive person?
I also cried as a little girl for no reasons. In kindergarten they gave me a calendar and for everyday that I didn’t cry I got a gold star… I didn’t get many gold stars. My dad was a bit abusive growing up, but don’t know if that would cause all of this? I just want to get better and feel less overwhelmed.

Hi lizardeab

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I am sorry to read that things are hard for you at the moment.

As far as anxiety is concerned, medication is not the only option. Other approaches, for example Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness/meditation methods, can be highly effective (they have certainly helped me).

It might be an idea if you asked your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional who has experience of using those approaches when working with his/her clients.

All the best.

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk.
I'm sorry you're feeling so overwhelmed all the time.

When stress persists for a really long time and is in excess it's really bad for our bodies and may be playing a part in those physical symptoms with the migraines and tummy issues you're having.

I hope you have supportive friends, relatives and co-workers in your daily life.

It really sounds as if you need to seek out some professional support right now before it gets too difficult for you. Some times we need to change or let go of certain coping mechanisms that we've developed since childhood. It is never easy but it can be done.

Having anxiety doesn't always mean you need to take medications either. It depends a lot on what is causing the anxiety and overwhelm in the first place. Talking with a knowledgeable professional would be beneficial.

... and yes, I do think that some people are more sensitive than others. Sometimes too people have other health conditions that can feed anxiety or depression so it's a good idea to have a general physical checkup at some time as well
.
take care of yourself.

Welcome lizardeab.

Hi there,
Kiwi33 and Lara have covered pretty much everything I would have to say. It has been found recently that people suffering with Depressive Disorders take hits harder and take exponentially longer to bounce back than others.

Don't think that ADs are the only med for treatment of Anxiety, Beta-blockers like Propanolol can help get over an Attack - combined with other treatments like Therapy/Counselling and learning to relax and strengthen the mind with Practices like Meditation and Yoga.

Looking back, I can state I have been on edge all my life and this has developed into Depressive Personality Disorder and severe Anxiety because it wasn't understood, recognised or treated early enough or properly. Times have changed for you, take full advantage.

Know that there are Members who have lived this, and more who can empathise. You are not alone.

Dave.

You are 100% normal. ( : You may be more sensitive than some people, but so what? I think the world would be a better place if there were more sensitive people. I really related to what you said. I've always felt things more than most other people. It's a hard way to be because life can be painful but there is another side to it. I see it as a difficult part of who I am and also a strength. I often notice things other people don't and the joy I sometimes feel is much stronger than a lot of people too. I wish you all the best as you find your way.

Hi indigo,

You might enjoy reading this page from PsychCentral about the gifts of being Highly Sensitive People. I can certainly relate.

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...hly-sensitive/

Hey Lizard. I have lived this all my life. I know and understand what you are going through. I wish I had some advice for you, but I don't. It's hard I know. Some of us just have to live through it.