Horrible Anxiety

This in't so much a cat problem but a human problem that i would like some advice on.  I have recently adopted a 4 year old cat from a shelter. i have had him for about a week now and with each passing day i get more and more anxious. i dont know why i feel like this this cat is an absolute dream very affectionate and loving,  litter box trained, and never scratches anything. Every time im alone with him my anxiety flares up and i feel on the verge of baring constantly. Today i had a full breakdown and broke down in tears because he meowed. i don't want to have to return him because its not a problem with him but me, but i have no clue how to get over this irrational anxiety that i feel around him.

What exactly are you anxious about? Can you elaborate a little more? Are you anxious about the responsibility of the cat or is it just that cat's presence? Have you had a bad experience with a cat previously?
Do you have a history of an anxiety or stress disorder (several members here do)?

I've never really had anxiety issue before this and i have had a cat before before my sister moved out and took her with her. I dont really know what is triggering it which makes it hard to try and fix!

Are you on any daily medications? Sometimes these can have side effects such as anxiety.

Were you close with your sister? Just wondering if having the cat around reminds you of her since she took the other cat with her.

I am sorry you are going through this! You can need to contact your primary care doctor or a counselor to help you through this.

Do you have a regular routine with the cat? Regular play sessions? And, may I ask, what is his name?

his name is tyson and i try to play with him for 30min to an hour before i go to work and when i come home before bed to tire him out. im hoping as hes around longer and we spend more time together i'll get more comfortable with him and the anxiety will lessen.

I love the name as I have a Tyson too! He just turned 5.

Yes, give it a little more time as see if things don't improve. Please keep us updated. I'm sure other members will chime in and offer any advice they may have.

thank you for taking the time to talk to me though just talking about it with someone has actually made me feel better!

You should talk with your doctor about the anxiety. He or she can offer suggestions on how to deal with it, from non-medicated ways like yoga or excercise to medication and various forms of cognitive therapy. If you are employed, your employer may offer confidential employee services to help with any sort of life issue or concern. A doctor or therapist can help you find the underlying cause of the anxiety and help you through this rough patch and provide you with ways on how to manage the anxiety.

Haivng a pet can help with anxiety issues but if being around a pet causes the anxiety, then you have to put your health first.

Do you have any friends who are experienced with cats who could come round sometimes and have a joint play/petting session so that you get more used to interacting with the cat in company? Is he an indoor cat? I have 9 cats, only two of them go out, and I get terribly anxious about them if I haven't seen them in the garden for more than an hour. It is a big responsibility, being sole guardian to another living being who depends on us for everything, but I am sure you are doing everything properly. The cat sounds as if he is happy and healthy, and is relaxing in your company.

Just wanted to throw out the idea, as I did not notice if yoh mentioned having cats before:

1. Is it possible that you were unconsciously afraid of cats and did not realize it? I had this happen around big dogs until I remembered getting attacked by a chow (sp?) as a kid.

2. If you did have cats, were you ever attacked or experienced grief/loss? If so those feelings could be triggered by Tyson's arrival.

Hoping you feel better soon. Have dealt with anxiety, sending you blessings for healing. Definitely echo sentiments above, seek out help.

I suffer from Panic disoster and  huge amount of Anxiety and stress launched it. You should go in for doctor before it launched because that is very horrible  disease.