Anxious, sad, angry

[rainydaydrought]

Hello. I'm 40 years old, female, and professional. For the last 6 months I've been feeling like I can't get ahead in life. I'm angry, sad, can't sleep well (waking up in panics lately), and I feel hopeless. My workplace is stressful, and I have to work closely with people who don't treat each other or me well. But times are hard, and I can't quit my job. My family members (parents, siblings) are not people I would voluntarily have in my life if they weren't family members. I have two or three very good friends, including my husband, but I'm not comfortable sharing my feelings with them any more out of fear that they will tire of my complaining. I do sound like a broken record! I've gained weight recently, despite trying to exercise and eat well. I can't concentrate well, which affects everything I do, especially work, but I'm doing well there and get by. I feel stuck at best and enraged and irreparably hurt at worst. I often wonder if I have depression or if I'm simply and justifiably angered and saddened by people in my work and family lives. Is this how everyone feels? Three times in the last 6 months I've had what I understand are panic attacks, with nausea, heavy breathing, racing heart and tears. Is this anxiety? Depression? Or just life? Thanks.

[Jennifer]

how long has this been going on? what is the home life like, panic attacks result from stress that is not dealt with that continues to boil up and then your body lets you know that you cannot deal with the stress anymore.

How do you deal with the stress from work? What happened after you had the panic attacks? Any therapy yet? sounds as if it would be helpful.

[rainydaydrought]

I deal with stress from work by working: no joke, sometimes I have to work 15 hours a day. I have no time to "deal." I dealt with the panic attacks by washing my face and proceeding to get to work on time.
How long: 6 months. Home life: good, loving husband who is a great listener. But again I fear that if I continue to complain, he and my close friends will tire of it. Therapy: none professionally.

[Jennifer]

okay, professionally, dealing with stress at work by working is not working for you, need to do something else, even if it is bring good walking shoes to work and taking a stroll around your parking lot or if you work in a building with stairs that is even better.

If you can find a release for the stress the anger/sadness and especially the panic attacks will subside. Therapy is always a good idea.

[rainydaydrought]

Okay, thank you!

[Jennifer]

that was left for you to come up with some ways to reduce your stress level, any thoughts?