Anxiety Levels

[Tilly2]

A week ago, I got really spooked when a mouse ran across my hand, as I was picking something up in the garage.

I know it sounds silly but I am still feeling spooked. The smallest things make me jump, I keep seeing things in my peripheral vision and I can't sit still without my leg/foot jiggling about.
My driving has been affected and I feel very unsure of myself, in the car. I don't like driving at the best of times but at the moment it is really stressful.

How long will it be before my 'nerves' settle down? Or is that like saying 'How long is a piece of string?'

I take sertraline tablets but they don't seem to be helping with calming me down at the moment.

[Prudie]

I think there are 2 different things being discussed on here and they are not really related. To dismiss the first one (as you re not afraid of mice) phobias about spiders and moths etc are very real to the sufferer. I am like that about spiders - the idea of seeing one in the bedroom and just going to sleep is incomprehensible to me. Comments about they are more scared, they eat flies, live and let live are totally unhelpful.
The second is more that something gave you an adrenaline scare and that has kicked off a much deeper anxiety episode, probably deep rooted in something quite different (or even hormonal). Sorry Tilly I can't advise on medication but would definitely suggest you chat with your GP. I don't know if it helps but I think millions of us suffer with anxiety on some scale. I know I do but I never discuss it with anyone, not even my family. It's a horrible thing.

[Tilly2]

Yes, Prudie, you are right. It has nothing to do with being spooked by a mouse. It has everything to do with my own psyche. Normally, I can hold it together but this has unnerved me and set me back a little bit.

I will give it time and follow the advice about seeing the GP.

Thanks to all of you for trying to help. I have just baked a cake, hoping it would help and the bl*&!y thing fell apart, when I was taking it out of the cake tin. It will now become a trifle. :-)

[Barsel]

Tilly, did you see what you just did there? You made a cake, it fell apart, it will be used in a trifle. You've got a situation, shattered cake, is that a problem? Yes, it is but you found the solution. Put it in a trifle. Positive thinking Tilly it's obviously something you have and you could use that positive thinking in lots of other ways. I'll leave you to work that one out. x

[Mamyalynne]

When you are used to being together and in control it's awful when the rug gets pulled from under you, with support I'm sure you'll get back in charge of this Tilly.

I'd like to thank you for the thread, it spurred me on to take a chance this afternoon - I survived.

Take care ♥

[Tilly2]

It's good to have that pointed out, Barsel. I think I've worked it out. Thank you. x

[Tilly2]

Well done, Mamya. One step at a time. x

[Tilly2]

Thanks, Ummmm. I appreciate that.