Help! My anxiety is literally ruining my life! :-(

Samm, it sounds like you’re a strong and effective individual; someone who that has their life together.  Just know you will get through this.  Your body and mind are probably responding to the change in medicine.  However challenging, you’ve been through this successfully before.  Just remember “you are a success” and this is a temporary response to some changes, and that’s entirely natural.  Try not to worry (or have anxiety) about your anxiety.  

With my own experiences, I “chase” after fixing/tweaking my anxiety by changing my meds.  The results are usually not so good...

Try not be hard on yourself and keep things in perspective.  Remember, “you got this” and this is just a temporary period whereby your body and mind are adjusting.  Your “me” is still there...  

Hi Samantha

I have had it 4 times in my life it started after birth of my son 30 years ago but I had 16 years without it until it hit me again last September and lasted 3 months due to a build up of things in my life and a crappy job that I hate. Mine is brought on by big changes and I think I had some rebound anxiety coming off activan. Now I pretty much get it most of the time not acute like last year but my job Is making my life a misery as its got so much worse but I can't see a way out so that makes the anxiety worse. I'm 50 so along with some other symptoms I've been told its peri menopause and am on hrt but its not helping the anxiety as I think until my job situation changes for the better its never going to go ? I worry so much for the future and am currently on the sick but its making me anxious going to docs all time to get sick notes as there so unsymathetic and want you on anti depressants and back to work so I feel its all ruining my life to and can't see a way forward. I'm terrified of taking anti depressants as tried sertraline last year 2 days on it was like a zombie and shaking hands and up all night with nausea so stopped. It really does take hold of your body and mind and People don't no how debilitating it is unless they've had it. I hope you feel better soon and find some answers.

Hi Samm,

I’m experiencing the same at the moment. Trying to pull through it but it is crippling. 

I’m on Zoloft and beta blockers and trying to stay off the Xanax. 

I think it’s more social anxiety I have because my main upset is in what people will think about me etc. 

Feeling Low really hope I can get through it. 

Samantha

Could you sit down with a CPN and discuss what has caused your Anxiety, to know the reasons can help in the moving on you really need.

At this time, if correct your GP is stuffing medical cosh down your throat and in a way that will settle you to a point where you will become desensitized to life activities and that in turn will make you feel worse.

Most on site cannot give you real advise regards medication, we are all different and that needs to be taken into consideration by your GP and any Specialists who are watching over you and trying to help.

When I look at your medications and the rate of change they are trying to enforce, will not in any way help until you get used to them. 

I know my attitude sometimes seems hard, all I will say, when push comes to shove on many occasions our GPs etc try and help with CBT  in various forms, with medications, in all a great deal can be dependent on the sufferer of their condition.

You sound worried regarding your Job, All I can suggest is  you understand how to learn Mindfulness Relaxation Technique and Breathing Techniques. You also need to try and control your Anxiety. I use diversions, like hobbies and sports that can regulate certain chemicals in the brain, Some medications can do that as well

Part of your condition may be down to yourself and given that you need to consider any ways that may help you move on. You may need more time with your children. Many with Anxiety are pushing in to many directions, if this is the case you may need to make some changes. However only your GP etc can suggest a positive change that may help change your Life

BOB

Hey I have had anxiety all my life it sucks. I have been on paroxetine for a long time it only takes the edge of my anxiety so do all the antidepressants they give you. I also take LORAZEPAM  which is a tranquilzer and it is amazing trust me. It really helps me get out of the really bad episodes of anxiety I go through.

Hi Sam I feel your pain, I have anxiety and depression anorexia bpd and sheer loneliness, I can't face going out had to give up work . The fact you are still working is really positive hope you feel better soon x

Hi Sam,

Courtesy of dp I've undergone profound perceptual changes which have resulted in not a moment's rest in 2 months. It's been very hard to get my head around because it's my head that is the problem. The way i see things has changed, the way i notice life has changed. And not for the better. Not many professionals I've spoken to understand what's going on, but part of the loop I'm stuck in revolves around my own mental chatter which will tell me "you're f***ed, "you can't do that any more" etc. Instead of indulging in this I've made a point of converting the parts I can control and proving it wrong when and where possible. Slowly but surely, changes begin to occur. There is a lot more content to my day even if it still feels unnatural at present. I've made it back to the gym. I was previously successful in what I was doing aswell and the downfall I've experienced feels catastrophic, but you can choose what way you'd like to go with it. At the least, start to see it as a moment in time which will pass.

Hope this helps.

Alex