Answered questions(6)
"Normal" Stress vs. Problem Stress
I accepted a new job in London in Dec. We decided it was too tough on the kids to bring them out in the middle of the school year so we decided that I would go first and get us all settled over there and the rest of the family would join us after the school year ended. I am currently working 3 weeks on and 1 week off back at home with the family. The hours and stress of the new position are considerable and there is substantial European travel as well as the twice a month Trans-Atlantic flights. Most days I leave my hotel room before 8 and if I’m back by 9 at night I count myself lucky. I have started to have frequent and reoccurring headaches, twisting feelings in my stomach and I will sometimes feel my pulse just racing for no reason at all. I feel stressed all the time and it is interfering with my abilities to think clearly and perform to an acceptable standard on the job. I also have a real nagging worry that I am making a big mistake with this new job and that my family is going to suffer some terrible fate from my selfish need to get ahead at work. I am starting to wonder if the way I am feeling all the time is not caused by normal job stress but maybe instead I am getting some sort of mental illness. I really don’t feel well psychologically. What worries me the most is that my feelings of stress don’t really abate when I am on my weekly vacation periods once a month back home with the family. I am normally able to turn work off when home with my wife and kids but these last few weeks I still have the nervous feeling in my stomach even when I am supposed to be feeling relaxed. How can I know if the way I am feeling is normal due to increased job stress related to a new position or if is caused by something deeper that is wrong with my mental health?
Read answer →Phone Sessions for Social Anxiety Disorder
Hi Jill, I have a friend who needs guidance regarding social anxiety disorder. She is a really nice lady and is looking for somebody to talk to (on the phone). In particular she is looking for a Christian guide, counselor or sponsor and a 12 Step background would also help. Do you do that, or do you know anybody who does? Thanks in advance.
Read answer →Fear of Public Speaking
I am terrified to speak in public. I have done it a few times as an adult but only after having a bunch of drinks to calm down or lose my fear. I have to give a conference presentation in a month and I am terrified, and since I don't think getting half cut before my presentation would win me any points with my supervisors. I have to figure out a way to do this sober. I've got 36 days. What do I do?
Read answer →When I am busiest I feel the least anxious
I take SSRIs for GAD. I keep it fairly well under control but it flares up and worsens every few months. I have a very demanding job and I am under a great deal of stress most of the time. I know that the crazy stress I put myself through worsens my disease but paradoxically, when I am busiest I feel the least anxious. It’s like I don’t have the time to start ruminating about stuff. When things slow down at work and when I have some time to myself that is always when the anxiety gets much worse. I feel as though I am in a bit of a catch 22 situation and I am not sure how to get out. I manage it by trying to stay ridiculously busy all the time but this is not an ideal situation for me since I am now a new dad and I also want to be able to spend a good amount of time with my family. Do you have any suggestions that might be useful to me? Thank you for taking the time to answer this question.
Read answer →Schizophrenia - Screening for Pyroluria
My brother has late onset schizophrenia and my sister in law recommended that I get tested for pyroluria which they think caused his disease and which apparently can run in families. I had never heard of pyroluria before and the information on the internet is confusing and contradictory. Should I get tested for this condition or is it a waste of time and a made up disease?
Read answer →Anxiety over loud noises
How do I deal with loud noises when I am feeling very anxious. When I am having a bad day a door slam down the hall or a loud motorcycle or even someone laughing loudly suddenly can almost drive me crazy, like for real crazy...not regular anxiety crazy lol...! It's a big issue for me. Is there any way I can minimize the effect loud noises have on me? I don't expect that there is but I am just asking in case you can think of something that have not.
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