Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Hangover after anxiety exposure

amonrae04Senior Contributor16 July 2025, 2:10 pm AEST

Hangover after anxiety exposure

Hey All

I'm on my recovery journey from depression and anxiety was off work for a couple of months and have started to get back into it. Of course with that comes anxiety and I am really trying to follow the process of exposure to my triggers which unfortunately was basically everything related to work but have slowly been adjusting.

I did a big exposure last week which was a presentation to a preety big audience let's say 30-40 people over zoom.

I had the huge adrenaline rush and come down afterwards which I was expecting. However in the week following I have had increased generalized anxiety and had a really rough day yesterday in terms of spiraling thoughts. Today doing a bit better have been really trying to keep doing despite how im feeling.

Just wanted to see if anyone had similar experiences in there recovery journey

63 replies

51 - 60 of 63

1...5 6 7

In response to: Hangover after anxiety exposure

tymeModerator29 Aug 2025, 9:06 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

Hey @amonrae04 ,

Thanks for sharing. I can see that anxiety can really get the better of you sometimes. What strategies work to help to regarin control?

It was great to read that you feel you will wake up with anxiety tomorrow, but you know you can get through it.

What's your secret?

Please take care and look after yourself.

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

amonrae04Senior Contributor30 Aug 2025, 6:46 am AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

@tyme honestly in a way I've given up having control as much as I want it. I know now that it's just my mind fearing something that doesn't need to be feared and that if I avoid doing something because of it I feel worst whereas if I just face whatever situation I'm nervous or anxious about or if it's just general anxiety just letting it be there it usually gets better.

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

tymeModerator31 Aug 2025, 8:03 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

That's HUGE that you have realised the need to let go. Often, we spend so much time trying to control the very things that can't be controlled, only to fail and feel worse.

Go slow. These are really huge steps. @amonrae04

I guess in a way, it can be likened to the weather. We cannot 'control' the weather, but we can control how we react towards it, right?

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

amonrae04Senior Contributor28 Sept 2025, 6:16 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

Really struggling today 😞

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

AuntGlowModerator28 Sept 2025, 7:12 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

Hi @amonrae04,

@Jynx and I are here if you need to talk - what's happening for you tonight? 🥰

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

amonrae04Senior Contributor28 Sept 2025, 8:14 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

@AuntGlow and @Jynx thanks had a big drive about six hours today back home and was just feeling the feels and ruminating got myself into a bit of a dark place. Having been away for five days with no contact expected to get home and have a warm and loving reception from my wife which would have been lovely after a shitty day but instead im getting the cold shoulder as she was upset about something that happened with my daughter while we were away that was not in my control. I'm just tired of feeling like this I guess

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

amonrae04Senior Contributor28 Sept 2025, 8:19 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

@AuntGlow and @Jynx I also find that when I'm away she misses me she does this like she doesn't like the feeling of being vulnerable and so she acts like she doesn't need me? It hurts. Just this on top of everything else is hard I'm struggling just to get by as is

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

tymeModerator28 Sept 2025, 8:32 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

I wonder if that is her way of coping? @amonrae04 Have you ever spoken to her about it? It sounds like it can be so upsetting for you.

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

amonrae04Senior Contributor28 Sept 2025, 8:42 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

@tyme I think so. I haven't but she went upstairs to bed and I sent her a message telling her how I felt. I'm not expecting a response or it to change anything but I'm glad I communicated it regardless

In response to: Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

JynxModerator28 Sept 2025, 9:05 pm AEST

Re: Hangover after anxiety exposure

@amonrae04 cold shoulder is never fun, I am sorry that things are so rough.

I know for some people, they need space when distressed instead of closeness (which is what my system craves) - but it's always more helpful for my own anxiety if they at least let me know that's what they need and how much time they might need.

Sounds like some sleep could help - things can feel less intense and more approachable after we've had some time to process in our sleep.

Are there ways you can give yourself a little comfort or kindness tonight?

51 - 60 of 63

1...5 6 7

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Aboriginal flag

Torres Strait Islander flag

Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Aboriginal flag

Torres Strait Islander flag

Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.