Anxiety causing feelings of worthlessness

[Anxiouscow]

I'm STUPID.

Basically on NYE I had protected vaginal and oral sex with a sex worker. I used a condom and I did not ejaculate (the condom did not break as far as I can tell, the lady gave me oral after the vaginal so she would have known).

Since then I have been terrified of having every STD under the sun from HIV to Syphillis, from chlamydia to crabs. I went to my GP who told me that I was at a very low risk for any STD and that I should go to see a sexual health clinic for peace of mind. I went to one and the lady said that I shouldn't worry about HIV, but that if I did want to get tested for chlamydia I should wait a week and go back and get tested.

I'm freaking out!! I don't want to die or to be infected, I feel absolutely horrible with myself and guilty and i don't want to give anyone else any of those illnesses. I keep researching STD's and ruminating around and around in my head that I'm going to die or give them to someone else. Is it likely that I have any of them? Can I get them even with using a condom? Please please help.

[Anxiouscow]

I also have some symptoms, like sweating and shaking, and itching all over my body. There is no rash or anything, but I think it might be anxiety related?

[Midnight-mouse]

I also have some symptoms, like sweating and shaking, and itching all over my body. There is no rash or anything, but I think it might be anxiety related?

I would say so! You’ve gotten yourself in a spin here, you had protected sex. The chances of STI transmission is lowered significantly because of this, you’re not experiencing symptoms of anything, give it a little while and get a panel done at a sexual health clinic if you feel you need to (this isn’t a bad practice regardless of who you have sex with- more people should get regular tests if they haven’t got steady partners)


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[Anxiouscow]

I would say so! You’ve gotten yourself in a spin here, you had protected sex. The chances of STI transmission is lowered significantly because of this, you’re not experiencing symptoms of anything, give it a little while and get a panel done at a sexual health clinic if you feel you need to (this isn’t a bad practice regardless of who you have sex with- more people should get regular tests if they haven’t got steady partners)


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So you think I have nothing to worry about? I feel like the GP was almost laughing at me (not in a rude way), he was like "you wore a condom, isn't what they are for?"

I kinda sat there and felt silly for a bit but not even a GP could reassure me :/

[Midnight-mouse]

So you think I have nothing to worry about? I feel like the GP was almost laughing at me (not in a rude way), he was like "you wore a condom, isn't what they are for?"

I kinda sat there and felt silly for a bit but not even a GP could reassure me :/

Honestly I take the same opinion, you used protection, it’s not just to stop pregnancy after all.
There is no harm in having a screening, like I said, more people should, I had checks at least once or twice a year when I wasn’t in monogamous relationships, but I didn’t always use a barrier method (hormonal contraceptives and I knew the people)

It’s not worth getting worked up over that’s for sure, take some time to rationalise and accept the feelings you’re having as those brought on by having anxiety, also ask yourself why this has been a trigger for you?
Having protected sex is not stupid, do you have other feelings surrounding the act that might be influencing your anxiety? Anything else in your life that is causing you to react this way? (Other stressors or life events upcoming?)


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[Anxiouscow]

Honestly I take the same opinion, you used protection, it’s not just to stop pregnancy after all.
There is no harm in having a screening, like I said, more people should, I had checks at least once or twice a year when I wasn’t in monogamous relationships, but I didn’t always use a barrier method (hormonal contraceptives and I knew the people)

It’s not worth getting worked up over that’s for sure, take some time to rationalise and accept the feelings you’re having as those brought on by having anxiety, also ask yourself why this has been a trigger for you?
Having protected sex is not stupid, do you have other feelings surrounding the act that might be influencing your anxiety? Anything else in your life that is causing you to react this way? (Other stressors or life events upcoming?)


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Not really, I was having arguments with my ex and now we are back together and i guess I'm scared of giving her some horrible disease? I will wear a condom for any sex with her up until i get screened.

Because it was a sex worker this is why I'm feeling scared. Originally I thought I was going to get HIV but the Dr and nurse both reassured me the chances are negligible. Perhaps I'm overreacting...

[Midnight-mouse]

Not really, I was having arguments with my ex and now we are back together and i guess I'm scared of giving her some horrible disease? I will wear a condom for any sex with her up until i get screened.

Because it was a sex worker this is why I'm feeling scared. Originally I thought I was going to get HIV but the Dr and nurse both reassured me the chances are negligible. Perhaps I'm overreacting...

If you were both having sex with other people during this time it’s not a bad idea anyway until you can both get a check up. Never a bad idea when starting or restarting a new sexual relationship!

Sex workers make their living through this, many insist upon protection being used because if they get ill they aren’t going to be able to earn their money. Most also have very regular screenings. I know I would if it was the way I made my living, I would have too much on the line if I wasn’t able to work, not to mention wanting to protect my own health and well-being.

The chances are negligible, this is why we use protection in the first place.


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[Anxiouscow]

If you were both having sex with other people during this time it’s not a bad idea anyway until you can both get a check up. Never a bad idea when starting or restarting a new sexual relationship!

Sex workers make their living through this, many insist upon protection being used because if they get ill they aren’t going to be able to earn their money. Most also have very regular screenings. I know I would if it was the way I made my living, I would have too much on the line if I wasn’t able to work, not to mention wanting to protect my own health and well-being.

The chances are negligible, this is why we use protection in the first place.


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Yeah I guess so. I'm going to get tested next week, until then I will just use a condom. Thank you so much for replying it means a lot.

I'm not so much scared of HIV anymore so thank you :)

[Anxiouscow]

If you were both having sex with other people during this time it’s not a bad idea anyway until you can both get a check up. Never a bad idea when starting or restarting a new sexual relationship!

Sex workers make their living through this, many insist upon protection being used because if they get ill they aren’t going to be able to earn their money. Most also have very regular screenings. I know I would if it was the way I made my living, I would have too much on the line if I wasn’t able to work, not to mention wanting to protect my own health and well-being.

The chances are negligible, this is why we use protection in the first place.


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I've done some thinking, and I mean, for the average Joe this wouldn't even be an issue. I had protected sex that I kinda regret, no big deal...

Perhaps I should be focusing on my HA more? And not on possibly having HIV or herpes etc?

[Midnight-mouse]

I've done some thinking, and I mean, for the average Joe this wouldn't even be an issue. I had protected sex that I kinda regret, no big deal...

Perhaps I should be focusing on my HA more? And not on possibly having HIV or herpes etc?

That’s definitely a good idea.


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[Anxiouscow]

Hi there. I have been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder again recently, after taking Fluoxetine in 2014 and Sertraline in 2016. My doctor has prescribed 15mg of Mirtazapine, to help with sleep and general anxiety.

I'm really scared to start as I've experienced side effects with AD's before, and I really don't want them again. I'm not too bothered about the gaining weight thing, but I'm more worried about sedation and being like a zombie all day...

I'm also scared they will change my personality, or make me feel incapable of feeling love, or happiness, and other natural emotions.

Any advice?

[panic_down_under]

I have been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder again recently, after taking Fluoxetine in 2014 and Sertraline in 2016. My doctor has prescribed 15mg of Mirtazapine, to help with sleep and general anxiety.

Is there a reason for selecting mirtazapine instead of either fluoxetine, or sertraline?


I'm really scared to start as I've experienced side effects with AD's before, and I really don't want them again.

The common initial side-effects, or ongoing ones? If the latter then what were they and how much fluoxetine, or sertraline were you taking?


I'm not too bothered about the gaining weight thing, but I'm more worried about sedation and being like a zombie all day...

15mg is likely to be sedating and that may continue into the next day. Mirtazapine is more a sedating antihistamine than antidepressant. However, it is impossible to predict how you will be affected. A few find it stimulating. Higher doses are usually less sedating.


I'm also scared they will change my personality, or make me feel incapable of feeling love, or happiness, and other natural emotions.

While these can sometimes occur, it is very much the rare exception, not the norm. Usually a switch to another AD will resolve the issue. Did you experience any of these on either fluoxetine, or sertraline?

[Anxiouscow]

My anxiety (GAD) is currently spiralling. I've been having recent relationship problems with my girlfriend, however we have began to sort them out and next weekend she is taking me away for four days for Valentines Day.

My anxiety is rooted in the sense that I feel uneasy without reassurance. I feel uneasy being alone. I feel like I am easily forgettable, I feel like she is cheating on me or that she finds other men more interesting than me... and that I am not worthy of being loved or being in a relationship. It sounds odd, but my self esteem is so low and I can't figure out why.

I don't know what to do really. I feel depressed and anxious at the same time and all I want to do is curl into a ball and sleep. Hopefully it will go away of it's own accord and a break away from the stress of life with help with her next weekend, but for some reason my whole life right now seems to be a rolling ball of fiery anxiety.

I feel as if other people are far more important than me and are better at everything than me. Having that mindset, how am I meant to feel good about myself? Even I know it!

I feel like I have a kind of separation anxiety... with my own girlfriend. and if she doesn't show love 24/7, then she might not be into me anymore and that's pushing her away... I don't want to be the needy guy.

I've been to the doctor and he has prescribed mirtazapine and I'm going to start taking it. I want to feel like myself again. 2020 has started horribly, I'm hoping I can get it back on track.

Does anybody recommend any quick techniques or anything I can read for therapeutic purposes? I just want not to feel alone in my own head...

[Fishmanpa]

That's beyond a quick fix TBH. Real life professional help for improving your self esteem would be more practical and long lasting. The meds are a good start.

Positive thoughts

[Darksky]

Have you tried positive affirmations. Find ones that apply to yourself and repeat them consistently to yourself. I have no experience, however I have read that eventually your brain retrains itself to believe them.

no quick fix, I don't believe quick fixes exist for anxiety but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try. You have to start believing in your own self worth.

[Anxiouscow]

I've had a stomach problem for over a week now, mostly stomach cramps and dihorrea (which goes away after taking Imodium), a bubbly upset stomach, lack of appetite and tiredness. At first I just got on with it as usual, it went away slightly, but now it seems to have returned.

It's not as bad as it was last week, but I still have low appetite and extreme gas (which comes on after I've eaten).

I'm trying not to let me HA take over me here. I'm sure it's nothing, but should I be worried?

ACow

[Elen]

Please read the below message from Admin. You are posting about a lot of different things frequently. Perhaps start a thread where you can keep all of your worries in one place.


Can posters, especially those who are posting a lot about a variety of fears please confine their posts to one thread.

This helps others to build up a clear picture of what is happening and makes it easier to offer suitable advice.

You may not see the pattern but usually it is there, especially if you are posting frequently about different things.

Your co-operation with this would be greatly appreciated.

Elen