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Drowning in anxiety

Posted , 4 users are following.

michael_37726
michael_37726

Been med free now for 3 weeks and the withdrawals are still hell on earth. Trying to be strong and just deal with it but the anxiety is the worst I have ever experienced in my life. I have got some diazipam that the doc gave me a while back and have been trying not to use them but had to give in now and take some as feel like I'm going insane and feeling suicidal. In a way I'm annoyed at myself for taking them because I was determined to never take another drug and that was the whole point in coming off the venalfaxine. Just hope I don't feel like this tomorrow as don't want to become dependant on bloody diazipam 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • amberstar33
    amberstar33 michael_37726

    Posted

    Just try to think positive. You've made the decision to come off meds and that's amazing. You may need a support now and again while you are coming off the tablets. It will just take time to settle. Keep remembering why you have come off the tablets and you will make it through. 
  • gen07717
    gen07717 michael_37726

    Posted

    Michael, when my anxiety was horrific I found the Headspace app/website amazing.  It's a free 10 minute meditation/relaxation exercise (not normally my sort of thing) but it was brilliant for slowing down my frantic mind and very calming.  Give it a go.  Take care
    • gen07717
      gen07717 michael_37726

      Posted

      One other tip that really helped was to stand outside and take some really big, deep breaths in, simple but really effective.
  • mum2angelalex
    mum2angelalex michael_37726

    Posted

    Hi michael, congratulations for getting off meds that's a huge step. I also suffered horrendous anxiety after coming off venlafaxine and I didn't mind taking diazepam when I really needed it, I found it really helped me and I never became addicted to it and I hardly use it now. I found slowing down my breathing and saying a mantra of 'it's just anxiety, it's unpleasant but it won't kill me and it will pass' helped enormously.  No matter how bad anxiety feels it does pass as your adrenaline levels gradually come down. Don't beat yourself up about taking diazepam, we all need a little extra help sometimes, you're doing great. 

    Sharon x

    • michael_37726
      michael_37726 mum2angelalex

      Posted

      Hi Sharon 

      Thanks so much for what you said it really does help to know that others have been through this and it's not just me. That's why this forum is so good as we all understand each other. I sometimes talk to family members about this and they really don't understand and end up giving useless advice and it just makes me more fed up and frustrated. I know it's not there fault as they don't suffer this and don't understand at all. My sister said to me today oh just go for a run, I haven't got the energy or motivation to walk from the lounge to the kitchen lol 

    • mum2angelalex
      mum2angelalex michael_37726

      Posted

      I know exactly what you mean, no-one has a CLUE, even my cpn keeps telling me I need to do more activities like that's the answer to everything. The lack of energy is one of the worst symptoms but I do know that the way I am thinking sometimes feeds my exhaustion, your thoughts are very important and cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective for anxiety and depression you should look into it if you're not doing it already 
  • krollette66
    krollette66 michael_37726

    Posted

    Michael you are doing the best you can right now. Try to pat yourself on the back instead of beating yourself up. Easier said than done I know from personal experience.

    Have you tired any mindfulness exercises.? I found some on youtube and they really help when my anxiety gets the better of me.

    It may feel strange  at first but if you keep at it. Youll feel some benefit.

    Try to treat the exercises as you would medication and give them time to work. The best thing is there are no side effects :-)

    Look after yourself and remember the anxiety wont be at this level forever

    Jo

    • michael_37726
      michael_37726 krollette66

      Posted

      Thank you I will try what you have mentioned as I'm always looking for ways to help myself. It's a case of having to as the docs and phyciatrist are of no use to me. I put my faith in them for over 32 years only to end up like this. I'm in terrable pain tonight with my stomach iv had this since I stopped the meds so can only put it down to withdrawals but its getting worse a each hour passes 
    • krollette66
      krollette66 michael_37726

      Posted

      Your more capeable than you think Michael and Youll come out the other side of this all stronger for it. Try to relax and do whatever you need to get you through the night.

      Tommorrow is one step closer to feeling better

      Take care

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