Suffering severe stress/anxiety

LegacyUser

Hi, looking for some advice/direction please.

I'm a bloke, 30's, suffering severe stress, anxiety, difficulty sleeping. My head is melted with pressure and feel like im about to snap. I know the source of most of it, (its caused by one person in my life) i just don't know how to fix it.
My family arent good at talking. My mates just turn any serious subject into a joke.
I recognised that it might help to talk to a professional, so i spoke to 2 different counsellors but i found counselling basic and ultimately not very helpful.
Is there a specific type of therapy I should be looking at? An expert who can give my head some clarity and peace? Thanks

One More Toy

Speaking from personal experience here

See your doctor at first - they will be able to point you in the right direction

Some activity such as exercise or yoga will definitely help

There's good meditation apps as well, I recommend headspace

Rubberchikken

hi op
could you keep this person who's the cause of this stress out of your life for the time being?
in the meantime, your gp could recommend someone to talk to. it maybe that you'll have to try a couple of counsellors until you find the right one for you.
also, i realise your mates probably turn everything into a joke, but is there just one that you could talk to on a one-to-one basis who might be a good listener?

take care

Wompa1

Can you cut that one person out of your life?

No relationship is worth sacrificing your well being.

banoffe2

You can and will get through this OP the fact that you are aware and talking about it is the first step, I can understand how it can be all consuming and take over our head and destroy your peace of mind if you allow it to. I agree exercise is fantastic or getting any activity that you enjoy that will help to break the cycle of destructive thoughts and help you to focus your energy and time on things that make you feel good. Every journey begins with one single tiny step. The fact that pals want to turn it into a joke is a reflection on the World we live in, despite all the awareness about mental health and the importance of talking and listening. Try to find someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to be it male of female who will give you the time and space to help you deal with the feelings and find simple strategies to help you cope. Mind yourself, and believe in yourself, you can do this and you are not alone.

antix80

Why's the person in your life?

Therapy should help you identify problem thinking patterns. It's easy to scapegoat one person or even a past event as the root of all your problems. Usually that's the first thing you'll discuss with your therapist. But the clarity you're looking for will take much more digging and self reflection.

Also, 50mins a week chatting to your therapist is not enough. You should put time aside to reflect, plan and break the patterns that make you anxious or depressed.