Stress! Is There a Breaking Point?

by Stressful in FL
(Florida)

I am unable to handle ANY stress, anymore. I have been in a verbally abusive relationship for 45 years. The death of my 12 year daughter in 1977 and events after that is what started my anxiety and depression.

I am on several anti depression/anti anxiety medications. I am in counseling now, and have been off and on since my daughter’s death. I have not found any permanent help.

I am 71 years old, very active in landscaping/gardening and feel my best when I am doing that. But my husband is not supportive and knows how to “push my buttons”; avoidance is impossible, leaving is not an option.

I now find that I am unable to tolerate stress at any level. I guess I just do not have any coping skills left. Even loud music and noise is a source of stress, and if I am exposed to a stressful situation along with loud noise, I cannot handle it.

What is this going to lead to? Am I headed for a breakdown, and what are the signs of that?