Do you ever ...

gilly, I would argue that you do have lots of friends and people who care for you here!

Yes i do know how you feel relaxation tapes have helped and i have just brought the book the power of positive thinking which has helped me loads hope you feel better soon.

...just to say Thank you all so much.. I am reading and shall re-read all of your posts...I'm so grateful..x

Sorry you feel overwhelmed at the moment farview it's horrible I know, I've been there too. Good advice on here Luckygirl's idea of listing and prioritising is a good one. Take one thing at a time and work through it. Let family and friends help where possible, you don't have to do everything.
I hope things get better for you soon.

Do you ever feel under so much stress that you feel like you are drowning?

Yes all the time Farview . Sometimes I just can’t see any light at the end of the never ending tunnel. A very stressful and lonely job (that I can’t get out of ) family worries , nothing to look forward to, no friends. It can get you down.

As Kitty has said up thread Gransnet are (mostly) lovely people who are always willing listen and offer advice or even just a kind word.

There are things that are insurmountable, arent there?

If you are caring, for instance, for a partner with a degenerative illness or a child with a disability, then these things are permanent and will not 'pass'!

farview, talking to someone or, as corner says, writing it down are good strategies. And gn is quite good at listening.

Thinking of you.
Times when you just feel “I just cannot take anymore!!
“The never ending staircase “ when you think you have nearly reached the top, someone adds more)
I have found it really helped me to write things down a page for each situation, sorting through urgent/important and ones that are less.
Try not to do all at once.
Also I have found that to talk to someone you know, but not your immediate family or friends.
So very difficult, but you will come through.
Treat yourself I always get my favourite flowers, if you can go to the beach, watch the sea.

farview well done for reaching out ... wise and kind words here from GN's.
Yes, I have also felt it was impossible to deal with all the issues and problems crowding in on me.
My mantra is 'a step at a time' (not even a day, just a step at a time). Then I deal with what is in front of me, as best I am able. If I think about everything I just get overwhelmed. This means at least some of the issues become resolved, if not all of them. (I am in the middle of a v challenging set of circumstances but am slowly emerging - things do pass / change.)
A Counsellor once advised me to commit to having a treat each day ( a nice walk, a relaxing bath, read your favourite author, listen to favourite music ...) and write down what you did. That way you will see which treats bring the greatest benefit. I found this useful.

I also sit, close my eyes and breathe slowly counting the breaths back from 100, this also slows me down. I sometimes do it at work, during my lunch hour ...

I hope things get easier for you, it would be good to hear periodically how you are doing ... Sending you good thoughts ?

You obviously have a lot of stressful things going on in your life but I can promise you one thing, they all pass. If you make up your mind to deal with any problem for 10 minutes and can't see a solution, perhaps there isn't one, let things go. Most of the things we worry about rarely happen. There is always a way through everything but when stressed we all tend to over worry and flit from one scenario to another. Take a few hours out alone and put your worries in a box and go for a walk in a green place, every time a worry appears shove it back. you will get through this time whether you worry or not.

Farview

I doubt there are many of us who have never at some time felt as you are feeling.

Lots of good advice already, but for me , it was just getting through each day, and when I’d managed it, although I was still worrying about the next day , I would feel a bit stronger

You haven’t elaborated on your situation, but I get the feeling there are multiple problems to be dealt with, if so, try and tackle one at a time

Thinking about you, sounds like you’re in a bad place

I'm feeling like that at the moment, too many people wanting a part of me and not enough of me to go around!!!!

I have driven poor absentdaughter bonkers all her life with the number of times I have said that all problems have solutions. They do, but the solutions may not always be ideal or what you hope for – but it is always better to have a serious problem out the way, even if it leaves a more minor one.

One issue at a time and one day at a time – not everything can happen at once.

Before you were stressed, what brought you joy, peace and real happiness? Maybe they can again.

It WILL pass. Talking may help and writing it down if you can.

Doing nice things for yourself: a hairdo, flowers, hot bath and soft music, any sort of thing which is just for you

I hope you feel better soon.

I feel for you. I have been there in the past and it felt at the time it would never be ok again but it was.

I hope you have someone to talk to and if not please use the Samaritans. I once sat on my hall floor for 4 hours talking to someone who was amazing.

Please come back on here when you need to there is always someone to support you. God Bless

So sorry that things are on top of you at the moment.

Are they things that might be helped by listing priorities and trying to let go of some of those at the bottom of the list?

I have found relaxation tracks to be helpful.

I do hope that things improve soon for you.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

farview - sorry to hear about your troubles. I am sending you my love and some x

Yes farview as Mr C discovered this afternoon.

If tackling the stressors is or seems to be impossible the more acceptable coping strategies include writing, just for me, pouring it all out. Also walking on the beach, gentle mindful yoga (when I can find the CD, must download into my phone), pottering in the garden, reading, laughing with a friend, any sort of distraction and talking to let it all out. The less sensible strategies include chocolate, a glass or two of wine, shutting myself away and sadly snapping at Mr C.

I’m sorry you feel you’re drowning farview, it’s a horrible place to be. I truly don’t think coping strategies can be prescribed. We’re all different, having said that I suspect talking is the most helpful whether to friend, family or professional.

Wishing you a peaceful night and a speedy resolution to the stressors. Take care of yourself.

Yes. There’s been times in my life when I thought I’d die I was so stressed. Whatever you are going through now that’s put you under such pressure, know that it will pass. All things change and alter, even horrible things that we might have to live with and can’t eliminate. Try and breathe. I mean literally breathe. Slow it down. Look after yourself. Try and rest. Eat properly. Drink enough water. Prioritise yourself during this tough time. If you have any faith then pray or find comfort in your own spiritual beliefs. Never give up. Talk to someone. The Samaritans are always there, or a trusted friend, one who won’t gossip your business round the street. No matter what you are facing, don’t give up. Things often can seem bleaker than they really are. We all think no one else has had the same troubles that we suffer but there are very few new things under the sun. Do your best to do what is right and appropriate, don’t give in to anger and bitterness. God bless and good luck sweetheart.